Teaching Social Issues with Film

Home , 10 Rillington Place, Ahney Her, Akiva Goldsman, Arnold Schulman, Babaloo Mandel, Beatrice Straight

William Benedict Russell III University of Central Florida

INFORMATION AGE PUBLISHING, INC. Charlotte, NC • www.infoagepub.com Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Russell, William B. Teaching social issues with film / William Benedict Russell. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-1-60752-116-7 (pbk.) -- ISBN 978-1-60752-117-4 (hardcover) 1. Social sciences--Study and teaching (Secondary)--Audio-visual aids. 2. Social sciences--Study and teaching (Secondary)--Research. 3. Motion pictures in education. I. Title. H62.2.R86 2009 361.0071’2--dc22 2009024393

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, microfilming, recording or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America Contents

Preface and Overview...... xiii

Acknowledgments...... xvii

1 Teaching with Film...... 1 The Russell Model for Using Film...... 2 2 Legal Issues...... 7 3 Teaching Social Issues with Film...... 11 4 Evaluating Social Issues Films...... 17 Evaluating Social Issues Films...... 17 Media Literacy...... 18 Teacher Evaluation of Social Issues Films...... 19 Student Evaluation of Social Issues Films...... 20 5 Filmography of Social Issues Films...... 23 Abortion...... 24 A Private Matter...... 24 The Choice...... 25 If These Walls Could Talk...... 26 Lake of Fire...... 26 Roe vs. Wade...... 27 Vera Drake...... 28

v vi CONTENTS

Addiction...... 28 Candy...... 29 Leaving Las Vegas...... 30 Lucky Girl...... 30 My Name is Bill W...... 31 Owning Mahowny...... 32 The Panic in Needle Park...... 32 AIDS...... 33 An Early Frost...... 34 And the Band Played On...... 34 The Gift...... 35 Philadelphia...... 36 RENT...... 36 Rock Hudson...... 37 Animal Rights...... 38 The Animals Film...... 38 Earthlings...... 39 Fast Food Nation...... 40 Gorillas in the Mist: The Story of Dian Fossey...... 40 I Am an Animal: The Story of Ingrid Newkirk and PETA...... 41 Your Mommy Kills Animals...... 42 Capital Punishment...... 42 10 Rillington Place...... 43 Dead Man Walking...... 43 Deadline...... 44 The Green Mile...... 45 In Cold Blood...... 46 The Life of David Gale...... 46 Censorship...... 47 Good Morning, Vietnam...... 48 Inherit the Wind...... 48 Lenny...... 49 Pump up the Volume...... 50 Storm Center...... 50 This Film is Not Yet Rated...... 51 Child Abuse...... 51 An American Crime...... 52 Contents vii

Indictment: The McMartin Trial...... 53 Radio Flyer...... 54 Sleepers...... 54 Sybil...... 55 Ultimate Betrayal...... 56 Consumerism...... 56 Confessions of a Shopaholic...... 57 The Corporation...... 58 The Girl from Monday...... 58 Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Prices...... 59 What Would Jesus Buy?...... 60 You Can’t Take It with You...... 60 Death...... 61 An Act of Murder...... 62 The Bucket List...... 62 Right of Way...... 63 Right to Die...... 64 The Virgin Suicides...... 64 Whose Life is it Anyway?...... 65 Disabilities...... 65 A Beautiful Mind...... 66 As Good As It Gets...... 67 Bill...... 67 I Am Sam...... 68 The Miracle Worker...... 69 My Left Foot: The Story of Christy Brown...... 70 Divorce...... 70 Divorce His–Divorce Hers...... 71 The Divorcee...... 71 The First Wives Club...... 72 Kramer vs. Kramer...... 73 Mrs. Doubtfire...... 74 The War of the Roses...... 74 Drugs...... 75 American Drug War: The Last White Hope...... 75 American Gangster...... 76 Blow...... 77 viii CONTENTS

Cocaine Cowboys...... 77 Maria Full of Grace...... 78 Traffic...... 79 Environmental Issues...... 79 A Civil Action...... 80 An Inconvenient Truth...... 81 The Day After Tomorrow...... 81 Fuel...... 82 The Green Chain...... 83 Who Killed the Electric Car?...... 83 Gang Culture...... 84 American Me...... 85 Blood In, Blood Out...... 85 Bra Boys: Blood is Thicker than Water...... 86 Colors...... 86 The Outsiders...... 87 West Side Story...... 88 Genocide...... 88 Ararat...... 89 Darfur Now...... 90 Hotel Rwanda...... 91 The Killing Fields...... 91 Schindler’s List...... 92 Shooting Dogs...... 92 Gun Control...... 93 American Gun...... 93 Guns and Mothers...... 94 Lord of War...... 95 Michael and Me...... 95 The Right of the People...... 96 Runaway Jury...... 97 Hate Groups...... 97 The Believer...... 98 Betrayed...... 99 The Birth of a Nation...... 99 Focus...... 100 Romper Stomper...... 101 Contents ix

Steel Toes...... 101 Homosexuality...... 102 Execution of Justice...... 103 Kinsey...... 103 Milk...... 104 Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story...... 105 Stonewall...... 105 Tying the Knot...... 106 Immigration...... 107 A Day without a Mexican...... 107 An American Tail...... 108 Border War: The Battle over Illegal Immigration...... 109 In America...... 109 My Family...... 110 Under the Same Moon...... 111 Labor Practices...... 111 10,000 Black Men Named George...... 112 Daens...... 113 Hoffa...... 113 Joe Hill...... 114 Matewan...... 115 Roger and Me...... 115 Media...... 116 All the President’s Men...... 116 Good Night, and Good Luck...... 117 Medium Cool...... 118 Network...... 118 Thank You for Smoking...... 119 WMD: Weapons of Mass Deception...... 120 Poverty...... 120 August Rush...... 121 Cinderella Man...... 122 Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story...... 123 The Pursuit of Happyness...... 123 Reversal of Fortune...... 124 Slumdog Millionaire...... 125 x CONTENTS

Racism...... 125 American History X...... 126 Do the Right Thing...... 127 Glory...... 127 Gran Torino...... 128 Mississippi Burning...... 129 Separate but Equal...... 129 Religion...... 130 Gandhi...... 131 Kundun...... 131 The Last Temptation of Christ...... 132 The Message...... 133 Siddhartha...... 133 The Ten Commandments...... 134 Role of Government...... 134 1984...... 135 Charlie Wilson’s War...... 136 Enemy of the State...... 136 Mr. Smith Goes to Washington...... 137 V for Vendetta...... 138 Waco: The Rules of Engagement...... 138 School Violence...... 139 American Yearbook...... 140 Bang Bang You’re Dead...... 140 Bowling for Columbine...... 141 Elephant...... 142 Rats and Bullies...... 142 Zero Day...... 143 Spousal Abuse...... 144 A Cry for Help: The Tracey Thurman Story...... 144 The Burning Bed...... 145 The Perfect Husband...... 145 Shattered Dreams...... 146 Sleeping with the Enemy...... 147 Unforgivable...... 147 Teen Pregnancy...... 148 Coal Miner’s Daughter...... 148 Contents xi

Juno...... 149 Mom at Sixteen...... 150 Riding in Cars with Boys...... 150 Saved!...... 151 Too Young to be a Dad...... 152 Terrorism...... 153 Arlington Road...... 153 Fahrenheit 9/11...... 154 Munich...... 155 Shoot on Sight...... 155 TerrorStorm: A History of Government-Sponsored Terrorism...... 156 United 93...... 157 Women’s Rights...... 157 A Bunny’s Tale...... 158 A League of Their Own...... 159 Gracie...... 159 Iron Jawed Angels...... 160 North Country...... 161 Yentl...... 162 A Film Ratings...... 163 B Film Analysis Sheet...... 167 C Film Terminology...... 169

References...... 173

Index...... 177

Preface and Overview

I don’t seek out social issue films, but I am proud to be in a movie that will make people think. —Kevin Spacey, Academy Award–winning actor

Social issues have been depicted on the silver screen since the beginning of the film industry. George Eastman, the founder of Kodak, created flexi- ble celluloid in 1888/89, which was the basis for motion picture film. Then, in 1891, Thomas Edison introduced the kinetoscope, a small peephole viewer for watching short and simple motion pictures. Eastman’s creation of celluloid and Edison’s kinetoscope helped spawn an era of silent films. Silent films were the only available films in the early 1900s, and it was not until 1929/30 that films with sound became readily available. During the silent film period many films dealt with a variety of social issues. Filmmakers such as George Tucker, Frank Powell, and most notably D.W. Griffith created films pertaining to various social issues like women’s rights, divorce, racism, and poverty. Filmmakers and performers alike have continued to create films that highlight various social issues. Many critics, viewers, and industry people would say that all films have a message, but they are not always noticeable or good. There are films that feature social issues as a primary or central focus, and it is those films that will be detailed in this volume because of their ability to help provoke thought and discussion among viewers.

The primary focus of this volume is to encourage readers to teach with film. Chapter One, “Teaching with Film,” provides readers with a research- based rationale for using film as an instructional tool in the classroom. Ad- ditionally, a general model for using film in the classroom, the Russell Model for Using Film, is detailed. This four-stage model will help ensure that teachers are utilizing film as an effective instructional tool. Chapter Two, “Legal Issues,” discusses the various legal issues and laws surrounding the use of film in the classroom. Specifically, Chapter Two discusses school district policies and copyright. Chapter Three, “Teaching Social Issues with Film,” discusses the need to teach social issues in the classroom and provides readers with a rationale for teaching social issues. Chapter Three discusses how teachers can use film to enhance the curriculum and increase student interest on various social issues. Furthermore, two different models for teaching social issues with film, the Traditional Model and the Spring Board Model, are detailed. Chapter Four, “Evaluating Social Issues Films,” discusses how to analyze and evaluate films. This chapter highlights media literacy-related skills and provides readers with generic media literacy questions. In addition, it discusses how teachers can evaluate social issues films and how students can evaluate social issues films. Social issues are often controversial and divide the public. Social issues films can and will do the same. The majority of this volume is comprised of a filmography of social issues films. Chapter Five, “Filmography of Social Issues Films,” is comprised of 180 films, each pertaining to one of the 30 social issues listed in the Table of Contents. The filmography is arranged alphabetically by social issue. Each social issue is explained, followed by a detailed listing of films relevant to the specific social issue. The films are arranged alphabetically by title. Each film entry includes bibliographic information and a film synopsis. Each social issue details six films. However, other films pertaining to each social issue are listed, but are not detailed. Each film is grouped by its primary social issue. This volume is intended for teachers at the secondary and college level who are interested in teaching social issues with film. All 180 films were selected based on their relevance to the social issue and availability. Most of the films are available from public libraries or can be rented for a nominal charge from a video store. As well, all social issues films included in this volume are available for purchase on the Internet. Prices for films range from $.25 to $25.00 de- pending on format (VHS vs. DVD) and condition (used vs. new). Many are well under $10.00, if bought used, through online shopping websites such as Amazon (www.amazon.com). Preface and Overview  xv

Ideally, this volume will serve as a resource for those interested in promoting discussion, analysis, and critical thinking in the classroom through the examination of social issues using film. William B. Russell III, PhD University of Central Florida

Acknowledgments

I would like to express a sincere thank you to Catie, William, Juliet, Zeus, and all of my family and friends. I would also like to extend a thank you to the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and University Press of America. I would also like to thank my PhD student and graduate research assistant, Stewart Waters.

Teaching with Film

Teaching with film is considered a best practice and many consider teaching with film to be an effective strategy for teaching social studies content (Holmes, Russell, & Movitz, 2007; Russell, 2007a; Paris, 1997). Film can help students develop a better understanding of the content by providing visual images. In addition, Matz and Pingatore (2005) explain that film can bring students closer to a topic they are studying. Film is considered to be an effective communicator, and has the potential to arouse emotions (McPher- son, in Russell, 2008), and stimulate feelings. With the current population of digital-savvy students, film is an essential part of life and popular culture. An average student spends over 7 hours a day using media. That is over 50 hours a week (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2005). Nearly 50% of student media use per day is exclusively devoted to videos (film) and television, a clear indication of how significant a role film, television, and other media play in a student’s day-to-day life. Film is an enhancement tool for the curriculum, but it is not the curriculum. Film has real-life applications and is relevant to students’ everyday lives. Incorporating such a relevant tool into the curriculum can increase

Teaching Social Issues with Film, pages 1–5 Copyright © 2009 by Information Age Publishing All rights of reproduction in any form reserved. 1 2  Teaching Social Issues with Film student interest in the material being studied, thus allowing it to become more meaningful and relevant to the student. Furthermore, authentic classroom activities help teachers achieve instructional goals such as retention, understanding, reasoning, and critical thinking (Driscoll, 2005). Not only are critical thinking skills encouraged by authentic film use, but also decision-making skills, especially when dealing with controversial social issues on film. Engle (2003) stressed decision making as the heart of social studies education, stressing that students learn the decision-making process, instead of content memorization. Decision-making skills can be honed by effectively teaching with film. Films help evoke meaningful inquiry of topics, which allows students to make insightful decisions based on what has been viewed and what the teacher does to support the curriculum. For film to be effective it must be used appropriately and not misused or abused. Film is extremely popular and extremely accessible to students and teachers. In a research study of social studies teachers, 100% reported using film at least once a month to help teach social studies content (Russell, 2007b). In a 2006 study by Stoddard and Marcus, 92.9% of social studies teachers reported using film at least once a week. In 2006, a national survey of social studies teachers reported that 63% of eighth-grade teachers reported using some type of video-based activity in the last social studies class they taught (Leming, Ellington, & Schug, 2006). Additionally, in a national study of teachers, 69% of the teachers reported that they use some type of film/ movie to help teach Holocaust content. The method of using film to teach Holocaust content and the method of using firsthand accounts of the Holo- caust were tied for the number one method teachers use (Donnelly, 2006).

The Russell Model for Using Film The Russell Model for Using Film is a four-stage model for utilizing film in the classroom. Many teachers use film and think they use it effectively, but they do not follow the research-based guidelines for using film as laid out in the Russell Model for Using Film (see Table 1). The Russell Model for Using Film

1. The Preparation Stage 2. The Previewing Stage 3. Watching the Film Stage 4. The Culminating Activity Stage

Many of the activities that are found in the Russell Model for Using Film have been found to help increase student achievement. Allen (1955) found Teaching with Film  3

Table 1 The Russell Model for Using Film Stage One: The Preparation Stage The preparation stage is the planning stage of the Russell Model for Using Film. This stage is also considered the most important stage of the model. The preparation stage includes the following: Required Activities • Develop and create a lesson plan that incorporates film, while still meeting instructional goals/objectives and state standards. • Adhere to all legal requirements. • Preview the film! Instructors must preview all films before using a film in the classroom. • Create specific activities needed for each stage (e.g., pre-viewing activity, culminating activity). • Obtain permission from administration to use the film in the classroom. • Obtain permission from students’ parents/guardians to show the film in the classroom. • Arrange for appropriate equipment needed (e.g., DVD/VCR player, LCD projector, TV). • Arrange the classroom for viewing the film.

Stage Two: The Pre-Viewing Stage The pre-viewing stage is done prior to students viewing the film in class. The previewing stage includes the following: Required Activities • Introduce the film to students. • Discuss the background of the film. • Explain the purpose for viewing the film. • Clearly connect the film to the topic/unit currently being studied. • Introduce new vocabulary. • Relate the film to students’ prior knowledge. • Relate the film to students’ everyday lives. • Relate the film to other content areas. • Clarify any significant cinematic terminology (e.g., close-up, voice-over) that may impact the viewers’ experience. • Discuss what is required during the viewing of the film. • Discuss the culminating activity that will follow the viewing of the film. • Collect permission slips from parents/guardians. (Ideally, this should be done days/weeks prior to showing the film. Furthermore, administrative permission should be obtained prior to obtaining parent/guardian permission.) Optional Activities • Utilize a K-W-L chart: What I Know, What I Want to Know, and What I Learned. • Read reviews/critiques of the film. • Read interviews with the star/s, director, producer, etc. • Have students read a synopsis of the film. (continued) 4  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Table 1 The Russell Model for Using Film (continued) Stage Three: Watching the Film Stage Watching the film stage is where students actually view the film. Showing the entire film is appropriate when necessary, as is showing small segments or clips. Research has been shown to support both types of film use. Stopping the film occasionally to highlight an important point, concept, issue, and/or scene is appropriate. The watching the film stage includes the following: Required Activity • Watch the film. Optional Activities • Have students take notes. (If notes are required, the teacher must provide ample light and time for writing the notes.) • Complete a guided activity. (Some films have premade guided activities.) • Answer questions created by the teacher. Stage Four: The Culminating Activity Stage The culminating activity stage is done after students have watched the film. The culminating activity stage includes the following: Required Activities • Stop the film. • Review, clarify, and/or discuss major points, concepts, issues, scenes, and/or inaccuracies. • Assess student learning (see assessment strategies). Optional Assessment Strategies • Class discussion • Class debate • Rewrite the ending of the film • Write a review of the film • Take a test/quiz • Complete a written assignment aligned with the film and topic/unit • Reenactment (have students reenact a scene from the film) • Have students conduct a mock interview with the star, director, and/or producer of the film • Have students analyze and evaluate the film that if teachers announce a test during the previewing stage that students will learn more than those who were unaware of the test prior to showing the film. Allen also found that if teachers introduce and prepare the class for a film during the previewing stage, students retained more content information than students who did not receive the same introduction and preparation. Thus, it is crucial to make students aware of the requirements and clearly explain and clarify expectations. Informing students of expectations will help ensure the students’ success. Teaching with Film  5

By using the Russell Model for Using Film, teachers will help ensure that film is used to enhance the curriculum, not as the curriculum. Furthermore, teachers will help ensure that film is used appropriately and legally. The Rus- sell Model for Using Film should be used as a guide; however, teachers still need to make sure that all professional, ethical, and legal standards are upheld.

Note Sections and/or parts of this chapter were reprinted from Russell, W. (2007). Using film in the social studies. Lanham, MD: University Press of America Inc. Reprinted with permission.

Legal Issues

Many teachers use film in the classroom; however, they are unaware of the legal issues surrounding its appropriate use. It is extremely crucial that teachers understand and follow the law when using copyrighted materials. The two main legal issues surrounding the use of film in the classroom are (1) school/school district policies and regulations and (2) copyright. School/district policies and regulations should be upheld. Since policies and regulations change from school to school and district to district, teachers need to check with school/district administrators to obtain the policies and regulations for using film in the classroom. As stated above, policies and regulations for using film in the classroom change from school to school and district to district. A basic policy for using film in the classroom will be similar to the following:

1. All films must be used in the classroom for instructional purposes. 2. Films with a rating of “G” may be used for instructional purposes with teacher approval and administrative permission.

3. Films with a rating of “PG” may be used for instructional purposes with teacher approval, administrative permission, and parent/ guardian permission. 4. Films with a rating of “PG-13” may be used for instructional purposes with teacher approval, administrative permission, and parent/guardian permission. 5. Films with a rating of “R” and/or higher cannot be shown. (See Appendix A for a detailed explanation of the MPAA film ratings.)

This basic policy is not applicable to all schools and/or school districts. Many times school districts will allow films with a rating of “R” to be used with approval from the school board. R-rated films that are commonly ap- proved by school boards are Schindler’s List and Glory. Federal copyright laws are established by the United States Copyright Office. Section 110 (1) of Title 17 of the United States Code on Copyright and Conditions cites the following exemption for the use of copyrighted films for educational purposes:

Performance or display of a work by instructors or pupils in the course of face- to-face teaching activities of a nonprofit educational institution, in a classroom or similar place devoted to instruction, unless in the case of a motion picture or other audiovisual work, the performance, or the display of individual images, is given by means of a copy that was not lawfully made under this title, and that the person responsible for the performance knew or had reason to believe was not lawfully made. (www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#110)

Simply put, a film must be used in a nonprofit educational institution, in an instructional class that is meeting face-to-face, and for educational purposes, not for entertainment or recreation. As well, educators can use a film that has been rented at a video store, borrowed from a library, and/or purchased, as long as the above regulations are adhered to. Teachers should not make copies of films, use films as public performance, and/or make a profit from showing films. However, teachers can make copies of public television programs for educational use in the classroom. This practice is covered under the fair use code of copyrighted material. What is fair use? Section 107 of Title 17 (1) of the United States Code on Copyright and Conditions explains the fair use guidelines for the use of copyrighted materials for educational purposes:

Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 106 and 106A, the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phono- records or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as Legal Issues  9

criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright. In determining whether the use made of a work in any particular case is a fair use the factors to be considered shall include— • the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes; • the nature of the copyrighted work; • the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and • the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work (www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html#107)

The complete United States Code on Copyright and Conditions can be accessed via the Internet at www.copyright.gov/title17/. Furthermore, to qualify as fair use, the Federal Guidelines for Off-Air Recording of Broadcast Programming for Educational Purposes (U.S. Gov- ernment, 1981) should be adhered to. Those guidelines are as follows:

1. The guidelines were developed to apply only to off-air recording by nonprofit educational institutions. 2. A broadcast program may be recorded off-air simultaneously with broadcast transmission—(including simultaneous cable re-transmission) and retained by a nonprofit educational institution for a period not to exceed the first forty-five (45) consecutive calendar days after date of recording. Upon conclusion of such retention period, all off-air recordings must be ceased or destroyed immediately. “Broadcast programs” are television programs transmitted by television stations for reception by the general public without charge. 3. Off-air recordings may be used by individual teachers in the course of relevant teaching activities, and repeated once only when instructional reinforcement is necessary, in classrooms and similar places devoted to instruction within a single building, cluster, or campus, as well as in the homes of students receiving formalized home instruction, during the first ten (10) consecutive school days in the forty-five (45) calendar day retention period. “School days” are school session days—not counting weekends, holidays, vaca- tions, examination periods, or other scheduled interruptions— within the forty-five (45) calendar day retention period. 4. Off-air recordings may be made only at the request of and used by individual teachers, and may not be regularly recorded in antici- pation of requests. No broadcast program may be recorded off-air 10  Teaching Social Issues with Film

more than once at the request of the same teacher, regardless of the number of times the program may be broadcast. 5. A limited number of copies may be reproduced from each off-air recording to meet the legitimate needs of teachers under these guidelines. Each such additional copy shall be subject to all provisions governing the original recording. 6. After the first ten (10) consecutive school days, off-air recordings may be used up to the end of the forty-five (45) calendar day retention period only for teacher evaluation purposes, i.e., to determine whether or not to include the broadcast program in the teaching curriculum, and may not be used in the recording institution for student exhibition or any other non-evaluation purpose without authorization. 7. Off-air recordings need not be used in their entirety, but the recorded programs may not be altered from their original content. Off-air recordings may not be physically or electronically com- bined or merged to constitute teaching anthologies or compila- tions. 8. All copies of off-air recordings must include the copyright notice on the broadcast programs as recorded. 9. Educational Institutions are expected to establish the appropriate control procedures to maintain the integrity of these guidelines. (p. E4750–E4752)

Note Sections and/or parts of this chapter were reprinted from Russell, W. (2007). Using film in the social studies. Lanham, MD: University Press of America Inc. Reprinted with permission. 3

Teaching Social Issues with Film

Questions unite, answers divide —Elie Wiesel

The practice of teaching social issues is often regarded as a best practice. However, teaching social issues is often a practice that teachers tend not to utilize. Typically, teachers shy away from social issues because they are often controversial in nature. Although controversial, the teaching of social issues is a powerful and effective method of instruction. As well, teaching controversial issues is a highly regarded and encouraged practice when done appropriately. The National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS; 2007) states the following:

Controversial issues must be studied in the classroom without the assumption that they are settled in advance or there is only one right answer in matters of dispute. The social studies teacher must approach such issues in a spirit of critical inquiry exposing the students to a variety of ideas, even if they are different from their own.

Furthermore, the National Council for the Social Studies outlines the following specific skills and attitudes that are developed through the study of controversial social issues:

1. The ability to study relevant social problems of the past or present and make informed decisions or conclusions; 2. The ability to use critical reasoning and evidence-based evaluation in the study and analysis of significant issues and ideas; this includes development of skills of critical analysis and evaluation in consider- ing ideas, opinions, information, and sources of information; 3. The recognition that differing viewpoints are valuable and normal as a part of social discourse; 4. The recognition that reasonable compromise is often an important part of the democratic decision-making process.

No matter the position of the National Council for the Social Studies, many classroom teachers eliminate controversial social issues from the curriculum. Byford, Lennon, and Russell (2008) explained that teachers tend not to teach controversial subjects because (1) teachers lack the appropriate classroom management skills, (2) restrictive school/district policies, (3) the teachers’ comfort level of discussing various issues, and (4) job security. Levitt and Longstreet (1993) explain that many teachers consider teaching controversial issues a “no-win” situation, because once the controversial issues reflect reality, the results could be counterproductive to students. In addition, Cotton (2006) concluded that teachers found difficulty in avoid- ing stating opinions themselves or becoming actively involved in the argu- ment and debate. The teaching of controversial social issues is not only met with trepi- dation by teachers, but also by pre-service teachers. Misco and Patterson (2007) reported that many pre-service teachers are uncomfortable teaching controversial issues related to sexual orientation, sexual harassment, and/ or religion. The teaching of controversial social issues is almost nonexistent in many classrooms. Kahne, Rodriguez, Smith, and Thiede (2000) observed 8th- and 10th-grade social studies classes and found an almost complete absence of opportunities for students to discuss and analyze controversial social issues. Byford and colleagues (2008) examined high school social studies teachers (N = 67) and concluded that 75% reported that controversial issues should be taught; however, over 65% reported feeling unable to effectively teach controversial issues. This is because many teachers do not know how to effectively teach controversial social issues and they do not Teaching Social Issues with Film  13 have the appropriate resources available to effectively teach controversial material, such as social issues films. Controversial social issues can be an effective teaching tool in the classroom. Examining controversial social issues can help students learn to deal with conflict and take on life’s leadership roles (Soley, 1996), and may teach students to clarify and justify their opinions on a number of issues. In today’s society, students are often unable to justify their own opinions and debate various issues with rational reasoning. When dealing with political and social issues students typically accept their parents and/or close relatives’ opinions and views as their own, without giving any real thought to the issues at hand (Russell, 2004). Teaching controversial social issues allows students to be actively engaged in the curriculum and allows the issues to become more meaningful and relevant to students’ everyday lives (McGowan, McGowan, & Lumbard, 1994; Torney-Purta, Lehman, Oswald, & Schulz, 2002). Additionally, discussing controversial social issues can help students develop critical decision-making skills, and decision making is considered the heart of social studies education (Engle, 2003). Social issues films should not be used as the final authority on an issue, but more as a tool to promote discussion and thinking about an issue. For example, when Bowling for Columbine was released, many people started asking questions about school violence, gun control, and the Second Amend- ment. Whether the movie accurately informed viewers is up for debate. However, what is not debatable is the fact that the film inspired viewers to think and discuss the issues at hand. Classroom teachers should not be con- cerned with promoting their personal political and/or social agenda, because this often gets teachers in trouble and can be detrimental to students. Instead, teachers should encourage basic decision-making skills and focus on the process of examining social issues, not necessarily the outcome. To help ensure appropriate film use, refer to the Russell Model for Us- ing Film in Chapter Two. The Russell Model should be used in conjunction with the following two models when teaching social issues with film. Due to the controversial nature and the need for specialized instruction, teaching social issues needs to be treated slightly differently than other curriculum. The following two models will ensure that teachers effectively teach social issues with film. The Traditional Model (see Table 2) allows teachers to establish the curriculum and utilize a social issue film as a means to teach social issues. The Traditional Model uses a social issue film as a visually stimulating tool and a visual information source. Oftentimes the curriculum plan will include specific assignments and/or discussions relating directly to the film. However, 14  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Table 2 The Traditional Model for Teaching Social Issues with Film Phase One: Orientation • The social issue is presented to students. • Various stances on the issue are presented. • The film is introduced using the procedures outlined in Stage 2 of the Russell Model for Using Film. Phase Two: View Social Issue Film • Students view the social issue film (whole film or clips of film can be used). • Students complete film viewing activity (optional). Phase Three: Self-Reflection • Students reflect upon their own views. • Students reflect upon the origination of their own views. • Students reflect upon the influences on their views. Phase Four: Exploration • Students explore all sides of the issue using various resources (e.g. books, films, Internet, etc.). • Students explore all sides of the issue using various methods (debate, role- playing, discussion, etc.). Phase Five: Justification • Students reach a decision. • Students justify that decision with evidence. Phase Six: Culmination • Students and teacher reflect on the process. • Students share their decision with the whole class (optional). this is not a requirement. Typically, the entire film or a moderately sized section of the film is viewed. However, this depends on the teacher, the lesson objectives, and the students’ individual needs. The Spring Board Model (see Table 3) utilizes social issues films differently than the Traditional Model. In this model, social issues films or film clips are used as a way to introduce a social issue. The film’s depiction of the social issue will heighten student interest with the issue and promote active participation. Typically, when using the Spring Board Model teachers only utilize brief film clips, instead of the entire film. However, there are instances when the entire film would be appropriate. This depends on the teacher, the lesson objectives, and the students’ individual needs. Although not specified, Stage One: The Preparation Stage of the Rus- sell Model for Using Film should be adhered to when implementing the Tradi- tional Model and/or the Spring Board Model. Teaching Social Issues with Film  15

Table 3 The Spring Board Model for Teaching Social Issues with Film Phase One: View Social Issue Film • Students view the social issue film (whole film or clips of film can be used). • Students complete film viewing activity (optional). Phase Two: Self-Reflection • Students reflect upon their own views. • Students reflect upon the origination of their own views. • Students reflect upon the influences on their views. Phase Three: Exploration • Students explore all sides of the issue using various resources (e.g., books, films, Internet, etc.). • Students explore all sides of the issue using various methods (debate, role playing, discussion, etc.). Phase Four: Justification • Students reach a decision. • Students justify that decision with evidence. Phase Five: Culmination • Students and teacher reflect on the process. • Students share their decision with the whole class (optional).

Evaluating Social Issues Films

Evaluating Social Issues Films Using film as an instructional teaching method is a common practice. However, film education is not common. Teachers are not prepared to effectively use film as an instructional tool and students are not prepared to effectively view films and make informed decisions with regards to the content of the film. In a recent study, 100% of social studies teachers reported using film at least once a month. As well, 51% reported using film at least two to three times a month, some even reported using film four to five times a month or six or more times a month (Russell, 2007b). Despite the abundance of film use, the majority of teachers have never been properly trained to use film effectively and appropriately. A simple and effective way to prepare teachers and students to utilize film is for them to become media literate. Media literacy is a major compo- nent of teaching social issues with film. Becoming media literate helps individuals become more informed citizens. Many films, along with other types of media (print and nonprint) can influence an individual’s attitudes, beliefs, and/or values. The influence is so strong it is often not repudiated and the information is deemed accurate and creditable. Thus individuals adopt the

Teaching Social Issues with Film, pages 17–21 Copyright © 2009 by Information Age Publishing All rights of reproduction in any form reserved. 17 18  Teaching Social Issues with Film information as their own, without truly exploring the topic and making their own informed decision. Social issues films, like other types of media, should not be used as a final authority. Instead, the films should be used to promote critical thinking and discussion. Incorporating media literacy components into lessons that utilize film enables students to gain a more comprehensive understanding with regards to the film and the content.

Media Literacy Media literacy is one of the most important skills for teachers and students to obtain. It is an essential aspect of any lesson that utilizes film or any other type of media. Media literacy is simply the ability to analyze and evaluate all types of media. However, a more specific and robust definition has been developed by the Center for Media Literacy (CML). The CML (2009a) states:

Media Literacy is a 21st century approach to education. It provides a frame- work to access, analyze, evaluate and create messages in a variety of forms— from print to video to the Internet. Media literacy builds an understanding of the role of media in society as well as essential skills of inquiry and self- expression necessary for citizens of a democracy.

Furthermore, teaching students media literacy skills have numerous benefits including the following outlined by the Center for Media Literacy (2009b):

1. Meets the needs of students to be wise consumers of media, managers of information and responsible producers of their ideas using the powerful multimedia tools of a global media culture. 2. Engages students . . . bringing the world of media into the classroom connects learning with “real life” and validates their media culture as a rich environment for learning. 3. Gives students and teachers alike a common approach to critical thinking that, when internalized, becomes second nature for life. 4. Provides an opportunity for integrating all subject areas and creating a common vocabulary that applies across all disciplines. 5. Helps meet state standards while, at the same time using fresh contemporary media content which students love. 6. Increases the ability and proficiency of students to communicate (express) and disseminate their thoughts and ideas in a wide (and growing) range of print and electronic media forms—and even international venues. Evaluating Social Issues Films  19

7. Media literacy’s “inquiry process” transforms teaching and frees the teacher to learn along with students—becoming a “guide on the side” rather than a “sage on the stage.” 8. By focusing on process skills rather than content knowledge, students gain the ability to analyze any message in any media and thus are empowered for living all their lives in a media-saturated culture.

These skills will enable teachers and students to appropriately analyze and evaluate various forms of media, which will help move the learning process beyond the rote memorization of facts.

To become media literate is not to memorize facts or statistics about the media, but rather to learn to raise the right questions about what you are watching, reading or listening to. (CML, 2009c)

This questioning ability that media literacy promotes will prove valuable in the classroom and in life. Helping students ask questions and think critically, which are key components to the decision-making process.

Teacher Evaluation of Social Issues Films Evaluating social issues films needs to be done at two different levels. The first level of evaluation is for the teacher. Teachers need to be able to analyze and evaluate social issues films for educational appropriateness, potential, value, and relevance. Evaluating for educational appropriateness should be as simple as using common sense. As stated in Stage One of the Russell Model for Using Film (see Table 1), teachers need to ensure that they are adhering to the school/district guidelines for using film in the classroom. Teachers also need to be sure to obtain administrative and parental permission. Evaluating social issues films for educational potential, value, and relevance is more subjective to the individual instructor and the individual needs and abilities of the students. When evaluating social issues films, teachers should view the film and determine its educational value. The educational value needs to fit the curriculum and the needs of the students. The more relevant the film and instruction, the more meaningful and powerful the lesson will be. To help teachers evaluate films for educational potential, it is recom- mended that the Film Analysis Sheet (see Appendix B) be utilized. This is a generic form that can be utilized with most films. 20  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Student Evaluation of Social Issues Films Once the teacher evaluates a film and decides to implement it into the curriculum, the evaluation process shifts to the students. However, before students can effectively analyze and evaluate films, they need to be trained. Training students to evaluate film is the foundation for successfully learning from film. Students need to understand basic film terminology (see Appendix C) and media literacy skills. To help sharpen students’ media literacy skills, use the following “Media Literacy Questions.” These are generic media literacy questions that can be used for any film and can be tailored for other types of media.

◾◾ Who made this film? ◾◾ When was this film created? ◾◾ What is the purpose of this film? ◾◾ Who supported/sponsored this film? ◾◾ What is the target audience of this film? ◾◾ How is this film made for that audience? ◾◾ What cinematic techniques were used? ◾◾ Why were these techniques used? ◾◾ What is this film implying or saying about the issue, event, person, place, etc., that is being portrayed? ◾◾ What is missing from this film?

These questions are simple, but powerful. To demonstrate how these questions work, here are a few examples:

Example 1: Schindler’s List. Who made this film? Steven Spielberg. When explored, this answer provides a great deal of information. It is a well-known fact that Steven Spielberg is Jewish. This could impact the film’s depiction of specific issues, people, events, and/or time periods. Example 2: The Passion of the Christ. Who made this film? Mel Gibson. When explored, this answer provides a great deal of information. It is well documented that Mel Gibson is a devoted Catholic and has publicly demonstrated prejudice toward Jewish people. This could impact the film’s depiction of the specific issues, people, events, and/or time periods.

These questions help bring to the surface issues, concerns, and/or possible bias held within and around the film. It is this questioning ability that allows individuals to make their own informed decisions. By asking media Evaluating Social Issues Films  21 literacy-type questions students will gain a more clear and comprehensive understanding of the film. It should be noted that creating a feature-length film is considered an art. Films are written, directed, acted, and produced by people that have different attitudes, beliefs, and values. By training students to read the film, students will be better prepared to analyze and evaluate the film and de- cipher what is meaningful and what is not. Included in the analysis and evaluation of social issues films is the need for students to understand basic film terminology. By understanding film terminology, students will have a better grasp of various cinematic techniques that directors use to engage and influence viewers. Whether it is as common and recognizable as music, or as complex as fancy editing techniques, either way, understanding basic film terminology will strengthen students’ ability to analyze and evaluate film. For a list of film terminology, see Appendix C.

Filmography of Social Issues Films

The filmography of social issues films is simply a list of films pertaining to various social issues. This filmography does not include every film ever made that deals with social issues, but rather it does include films that clearly depict or relate to a specific social issue. Furthermore, all 180 films were selected based on their relevance to the social issue, instructional use, and availability. The majority of the films can be found at a local video rental store or can be purchased from an online store (e.g., www.amazon.com) for a nominal price. This filmography includes feature-length films and documentaries. Films categorized as home movies, government films, and educational films have been excluded from this filmography. Each film is grouped by its primary social issue; however, many of the films provided deal with multiple social issues. This volume is intended for teachers at the secondary and college level who are interested in teaching social issues with film. The social issues are arranged alphabetically and a brief definition/explanation of the social issue is provided. Each social issue details six films, arranged alphabetically by title. However, other films pertaining to the social issue

Teaching Social Issues with Film, pages 23–162 Copyright © 2009 by Information Age Publishing All rights of reproduction in any form reserved. 23 24  Teaching Social Issues with Film are listed, but not detailed. Each film entry includes a film synopsis and the following bibliographic information: year, genre, Motion Picture As- sociation of America (MPAA) rating, alternative title/s, director, producer, writer, length, language, color, company, and cast. Some of the films detailed in this volume may not be appropriate to show in full in a secondary classroom. Ultimately, teachers must determine the appropriateness and educational value of the film for their instructional needs. Thus, teachers need to ensure that they are adhering to school/district procedures related to teaching with film. As with any type of classroom instruction, teachers need to ensure that the curriculum and instruction meets the learning goals/objectives of the lesson and the individual needs of the students.

Abortion Abortion, simply put, is the removal of a fetus or embryo from a woman’s uterus. The removal can be done medically, surgically, or by other means. Currently abortion is one of the most controversial social issues in society. The issue is divided into pro-life and pro-choice regimes. Although many are torn on the issue, abortion is an important topic during the election of government officials and among religious groups. Films relevant to this topic can pertain to other social issues, such as women’s rights and teen pregnancy. However, these social issues are handled separately in this chapter. Other films dealing with abortion not detailed in this volume include: Blue Denim (1955), The Cardinal (1963), Cider House Rules (1999), Detective Story (1951), Finn’s Girl (2007), The Interns (1962), Leona’s Sister Gerri (1995), Live Free or Die (2000), Patty (1962), Prophecy (1979), Rosita (2005), To Find a Man (1972), Unborn in the USA: Inside the War on Abortion (2007), and 10 Rillingon Place (1971).

A Private Matter (1992) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: Miss Sherri Directed By: Joan Micklin Silver Produced By: Ronnie D. Clemmer, Lindsay Doran, Bill Pace, and Sydney Pollack Filmography of Social Issues Films  25

Written By: William Nicholson Color: Color Length: 118 minutes Language: English Production Company: Home Box Office Cast: Sissy Spacek, Aidan Quinn, Estelle Parsons, Sheila McCarthy, Leon Russom, and Xander Berkeley Film Synopsis A Private Matter is based on the true story of Romper Room host Sherri Finkbine. Sherri (Sissy Spacek) has a sleeping disorder and is prescribed a drug, which is being blamed for causing birth defects. When Sherri finds that she is pregnant, she is faced with the decision of having a baby who could have birth defects, or having an abortion. Sherri decides having an abortion is the best option and her decision sets off a community and media frenzy.

The Choice (1981) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: David Greene Produced By: David Greene Written By: Dennis Nemec Color: Color Length: 95 minutes Language: English Production Company: David Greene Productions Cast: Susan Clark, Mitch Ryan, Largo Woodruff, Kathleen Lloyd, Lisa Jane Persky, and Paul Regina Film Synopsis Lisa Clements (Largo Woodruff) is pregnant. Lisa keeps her pregnancy a secret from her boyfriend Michael (Paul Regina). While visiting her parents, Lisa tells her mother, Kay (Susan Clark), about her pregnancy. Kay 26  Teaching Social Issues with Film reveals that she secretly had an abortion and explains the reasons behind her choice. After hearing her mother’s story, Lisa decides to tell Michael about the pregnancy.

If These Walls Could Talk (1996) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Cher and Nancy Savoca Produced By: Demi Moore and Suzanne Todd Written By: Pamela Wallace, Earl Wallace, Nancy Savoca, Susan Nanus, and I. Marlene King Color: Color Length: 96 minutes Language: English Production Company: HBO NYC Productions Cast: Demi Moore, Sissy Spacek, Catherine Keener, Anne Heche, Jada Pinkett Smith, Cher, Jason London, and Kevin Cooney Film Synopsis If These Walls Could Talk is comprised of three different stories about women who occupy the same house over a span of 40 years. All three women deal with unplanned pregnancy and struggle over the question of having an abortion. The first story is set in 1952, and focuses on Claire Donnelly (Demi Moore), a widowed nurse, and her unplanned pregnancy. The second story is set in 1974 and is about Barbara Barrows’ (Sissy Spacek) unplanned pregnancy and the options she has as a married housewife and mother of four. The third story is set in 1996 and focuses on Christine Cullen (Anne Heche), an unmarried college student, and her unplanned pregnancy.

Lake of Fire (2006) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: Not Rated Filmography of Social Issues Films  27

Alternative Title: None Directed By: Tony Kaye Produced By: Tony Kaye Written By: Tony Kaye Color: Black and white Length: 152 minutes Language: English Production Company: Anonymous Content Cast: Flip Benham, John Britton, Pat Buchanan, Noam Chomsky, Alan M. Dershowitz, and Michael F. Griffin Film Synopsis Lake of Fire is a graphic documentary film that examines and explores both the pro-life and pro-choice sides of abortion. Filmed in black and white, Lake of Fire is a collage of procedure footage, abortion-related discussions, personal stories, political statements, and individual interviews.

Roe vs. Wade (1989) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Gregory Hoblit Produced By: Gregory Hoblit Written By: Alison Cross Color: Color Length: 100 minutes Language: English Production Company: NBC Productions Cast: Holly Hunter, Amy Madigan, Kevin Cooney, Kathy Bates, James Gammon, and Alie Grant Film Synopsis Roe vs. Wade is based on the real-life events leading to the 1973 landmark Supreme Court decision, which legalized abortion in the first 6 months of pregnancy. 28  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Vera Drake (2004) Genre: Drama/Crime MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Mike Leigh Produced By: Simon Channing-Williams and Alain Sarde Written By: Mike Leigh Color: Color Length: 125 minutes Language: English Production Company: Les Films Alain Sarde Cast: Imelda Staunton, Phil Davis, Richard Graham, Eddie Marsan, Daniel Mays, and Alex Kelly Film Synopsis Vera Drake is set in London, England, in the 1950s. Vera (Imelda Staunton) is a selfless woman willing to help any and all in need. Her services include in- ducing miscarriages in women with unwanted pregnancies. Although the practice is illegal, Vera feels she is doing the right thing. Vera’s world starts to fall apart when complications occur during a procedure and the woman is forced to go to a hospital. The authorities are alerted and the police investigate Vera.

Addiction Addiction is a common theme in many Hollywood films. Addiction is often portrayed in three main forms: alcohol addiction, drug addiction, and gambling addiction. Although there are many other forms of addiction portrayed in films, such as food addiction Can’t( Stop Eating [2006] and I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With [2007]) and sex addiction (I Am a Sex Addict [2005], A Dirty Shame [2004], and Certifiable [2008]), the films pertained in this section deal with alcohol, drug, and gambling addiction. Other films dealing with alcohol addiction not detailed in this volume include: 28 Days (2000), Arthur (1983), Blind Spot (1947), The Bottom of the Bottle (1956), Clean and Sober (1988), Dark Chocolate (2008), The Days of Wine and Roses (1962), Harvey (1950), Long Day’s Journey into Night (1962), The Lost Weekend (1945), Papa’s Delicate Condition (1963), and Smash-Up (1947). Filmography of Social Issues Films  29

Other films dealing with drug addiction not detailed in this volume include the following: Basketball Diaries (1995), Cristiane F. (1981), Drug- store Cowboy (1989), Facing the Habit (2007), FIX: The Story of an Addicted City (2002), A Hateful Rain (1957), Life or Meth (2007), The Man with the Gold- en Arm (1956), Monkey on My Back (1957), Opiated: Life Beneath the Eyelids (2007), Pure (2002), Ray (2004), Requiem for a Dream (2000), Sid & Nancy (1986), Spun (2002), Story of a Junkie (1987), Synanon (1965), Trainspotting (1996), Walk the Line (2005), and Way Out (1967). Other films dealing with gambling addiction not detailed in this volume include the following: The Bet (1992), California Split (1974), Confes- sions of a Gambler (2007), The Great Sinner (1949), House of Games (1987), Hustle (2004), The Lady Gambles (1949), and $pent (2000).

Candy (2006) Genre: Drama/Romance MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Neil Armfield Produced By: Emile Sherman and Margaret Fink Written By: Neil Armfield Color: Color Length: 108 minutes Language: English Production Company: Film Finance Cast: Abbie Cornish, Heath Ledger, Geoffrey Rush, Tom Budge, Roberto Meza-Mont, Tony Martin, Noni Hazlehurst, Holly Austin, and Craig Moraghan Film Synopsis Candy is an Australian film about life, love, and drugs. A poet named Dan (Heath Ledger) falls in love with Candy (Abbie Cornish). The couple enjoys a Bohemian lifestyle and eventually become addicted to heroin. The film depicts their relationship, their drug use, and their decline.Candy was adapted for the screen from the book Candy: A Novel of Love and Addiction by Luke Davies. 30  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Leaving Las Vegas (1995) Genre: Drama/Romance MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Mike Figgis Produced By: Lila Cazès, Mark Fishcher, Stuart Regen, Paige Simpson, and Annie Stewart Written By: Mike Figgis Color: Color Length: 118 minutes Language: English, Russian Production Company: Initial Productions Cast: Nicholas Cage, Elisabeth Shue, Julian Sands, Richard Lewis, Steven Weber, Kim Adams, Emily Procter, Stuart Regen, and Valeria Golino Film Synopsis Leaving Las Vegas depicts the relationship between Ben Sanderson (Nich- olas Cage), a suicidal alcoholic who traveled to Las Vegas to commit suicide via alcohol consumption, and Sera (Elisabeth Shue) a Las Vegas prostitute. Leaving Las Vegas is based on the semi-autobiographical book, Leaving Las Vegas by John O’Brien. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, in which it won one for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Nicholas Cage).

Lucky Girl (2001) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: My Daughter’s Secret Life Directed By: John Fawcett Produced By: Louise Garfield, Anne Marie La Traverse, and Claire Welland Written By: Graeme Manson Color: Color Filmography of Social Issues Films  31

Length: 100 minutes Language: English Production Company: Alliance Atlantis Communications Cast: Elisha Cuthbert, Sherry Miller, Evan Sabba, Greg Ellwand, Sarah Osmond, Jonathan Whittaker, Charlotte Sullivan, Victoria Snow, and Jordan Walker Film Synopsis Lucky Girl is a Canadian television film about a 17-year-old girl named Kaitlin Palmerston (Elisha Cuthbert) who becomes addicted to gambling. Kaitlin is an upper-middle-class teenager with a gambling addiction that progresses throughout the film into a serious and potentially harmful vice. Eventually her addiction consumes her and she begins to borrow money from loan sharks and steal from friends and family.

My Name is Bill W. (1989) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Daniel Petrie Produced By: Peter Duchow and James Garner Written By: William G. Borchert Color: Color Length: 100 minutes Language: English Production Company: Garner-Duchow Productions Cast: James Woods, JoBeth Williams, James Garner, Gary Sinise, George Coe, Robert Harper, Ray Reinhardt, Fritz Weaver, and Rick Warner Film Synopsis My Name is Bill W. is a CBS television movie based on a true story. The film depicts the life of Bill Wilson (James Woods) and how it was torn apart from the stock market crash and alcoholism. Eventually Wilson, along with fellow alcoholic, Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith (James Garner), creates a sup- 32  Teaching Social Issues with Film port group called Alcoholics Anonymous. My Name is Bill W. was nominated for seven Emmy Awards, in which it won one for Outstanding Lead Actor (James Woods).

Owning Mahowny (2003) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Richard Kwietniowski Produced By: Alessandro Camon, Andras Hamori, and Seaton McLean Written By: Maurice Chauvet Color: Color Length: 104 minutes Language: English Production Company: Alliance Atlantis Communications Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Minnie Driver, John Hurt, Maury Chaykin, Ian Tracey, Sonja Smits, K.C. Collins, and Vince Corazza Film Synopsis Owning Mahowny is based on the true story of the largest one-man bank fraud in Canadian history. The film depicts the story of Dan Mahowny (Phil- ip Seymour Hoffman), a bank manager with access to millions of dollars, and his addiction to gambling. Over an 18-month period, Dan uses bank money to fund his gambling addiction, which eventually causes the destruction of his relationship, job, and life. The film’s screenplay was based on the best-selling book Stung by Gary Ross.

The Panic in Needle Park (1971) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Filmography of Social Issues Films  33

Directed By: Jerry Schatzberg Produced By: Dominick Dunne Written By: Joan Didion Color: Color Length: 110 minutes Language: English Production Company: Didion-Dunne Inc. Cast: Al Pacino, Kitty Winn, Alan Vint, Richard Bright, Kiel Martin, Michael McClanathan, Warren Finnerty, Marcia Jean Kurtz, and Raul Julia Film Synopsis The Panic in Needle Park portrays the life of heroin addicts who hang out at Needle Park (Sherman Square) in New York City. The film focuses on the story of two lovers, Bobby (Al Pacino) and Helen (Kitty Winn), and their relationship and addiction to heroin. The film was adapted for the screen from the 1966 book, The Panic in Needle Park by James Mills.

AIDS AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is the manifestation of human immunodeficiency virus in the form of actual illness. According to UNAIDS over 38.6 million people are infected with HIV/AIDS. However, AIDS awareness among the populous is low. The film industry has provided many films that depict AIDS and AIDS/HIV-related issues. Although most of the films depicting AIDS are centered on homosexuals, there are films that focus on nonhomosexual victims such as Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt (1989). Films relevant to this topic can often pertain to other social issues, like homosexuality and death. AIDS is categorized as an individual issue because of its breadth and relevance to today’s society. Other films dealing with AIDS not detailed in this volume include: Citizen Cohn (1992), Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt (1989), The Cure (1995), Dear Francis (2005), Ending AIDS: The Search for a Vaccine (2005), Kids (1995), Lifecycles: A Story of AIDS in Malawi (2003), The Living End (1992), Longtime Companion (1990), The Origins of AIDS (2003), Parting Glances (1986), The Ryan White Story (1989), Undetectable (2001), Voices from the Front (1992), and Walking on Water (2002). 34  Teaching Social Issues with Film

An Early Frost (1985) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: John Erman Produced By: Perry Lafferty Written By: Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman, and Sherman Yellen Color: Color Length: 97 minutes Language: English Production Company: NBC Productions Cast: Gena Rowlands, Ben Gazzara, Sylvia Sidney, Aidan Quinn, D.W. Moffett, Christopher Bradley, and Bill Paxton Film Synopsis An Early Frost is a made-for-television film about a family dealing with a homosexual son who is dying from AIDS. Michael Pierson (Aidan Quinn) is a young lawyer who is homosexual. His family is unaware of his lifestyle until Michael becomes infected with AIDS. The family reacts unpredictably and life for Michael is not easy. He searches for support and eventually his family comes to his side. An Early Frost was nominated for a total of 14 Emmy Awards, for which it won four, including Outstanding Writing, and was nominated for three Golden Globe Awards, for which it won for Best Supporting Actress (Sylvia Sidney).

And the Band Played On (1993) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: None Directed By: Roger Spottiswoode Produced By: Sarah Pillsbury and Midge Sanford Written By: Arnold Schulman Filmography of Social Issues Films  35

Color: Color Length: 141 minutes Language: English Production Company: Home Box Office/Odyssey Motion Pictures Cast: Matthew Modine, Lily Tomlin, Glenne Headly, Alan Alda, Ian McKellan, Richard Gere, Steve Martin, and Ronald Guttman Film Synopsis And the Band Played On is a made-for-television film that traces the discovery of the AIDS epidemic and the political infighting of the scientific community hampering its prevention and possible cure. Dr. Don Francis (Matthew Modine), a scientist working at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, is researching the characteristics of a new disease dubbed the “gay cancer” among the gay community. The disease is ignored by the masses until infected individuals from outside the gay community emerge. And the Band Played On was adapted from the book And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic by Randy Shilts. The film was nominated for a total of 14 Emmy Awards, in which it won three, including Out- standing Made for Television Movie.

The Gift (2003) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Louise Hogarth Produced By: Louise Hogarth Written By: Louise Hogarth Color: Color Length: 62 minutes Language: English Production Company: Dream Out Loud Productions Cast: Doug Hitzel Film Synopsis The Gift documents the phenomenon of deliberate HIV/AIDS infection. Seeking “the gift,” or HIV/AIDS infection, is commonly referred to 36  Teaching Social Issues with Film as “bug chasing.” The documentary follows two bug chasers searching for someone to infect them. Those willing to infect others are commonly referred to as “gift givers.” The film explores the glamorization of HIV/AIDS and the division it causes in the gay community. Furthermore, the film includes interviews and discussions with bug chasers, AIDS activists, nonin- fected men, and infected men.

Philadelphia (1993) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: At Risk Directed By: Jonathan Demme Produced By: Jonathan Demme and Edward Saxon Written By: Ron Nyswaner Color: Color Length: 125 minutes Language: English Production Company: TriStar Pictures Cast: Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Jason Robards, Antonio Banderas, and Mary Steenburgen Film Synopsis Philadelphia is the story of Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks), a gay lawyer infected with AIDS. Although Andrew is an outstanding lawyer, he is fired because of his disease. Andrew hires Joe Miller (Denzel Washington), a homophobic lawyer, to help him sue his former employer. Over the course of the trial, Joe makes a drastic transformation as he comes to appreciate Andrew for the person he is, seeing past his own prejudice. Philadelphia was nominated for five Academy Awards, for which it won two, Best Actor (Tom Hanks) and Best Song (Streets of Philadelphia by Bruce Springsteen).

RENT (2005) Genre: Musical/Drama MPAA Rating: PG-13 Filmography of Social Issues Films  37

Alternative Title: None Directed By: Chris Columbus Produced By: Chris Columbus, Michael Barnathan, and Robert De Niro Written By: Stephen Chbosky Color: Color Length: 135 minutes Language: English Company: Rent Production LLC Cast: Jesse L. Martin, Taye Diggs, Rosario Dawson, Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp, and Tracie Thoms Film Synopsis RENT is a rock opera set in the East Village of New York City, spanning the course of 1 year. The film follows a close group of Bohemians through life as they deal with love, loss, addiction, and AIDS. RENT is based on Gia- como Puccini’s Pulitzer Prize–winning Broadway play, “La Boheme.”

Rock Hudson (1990) Genre: Biography/Drama MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: None Directed By: John Nicolella Produced By: Diana Kerew and Renee Palyo Written By: Dennis Turner Color: Color Length: 100 minutes Language: English Company: Konigsberg International Cast: Thomas Ian Griffith, Daphne Ashbrook, William R. Moses, Michael Ensign, and Andrew Robinson Film Synopsis Rock Hudson is a biography about film and television star Rock Hudson, who was one of the first famous personalities to be infected with AIDS. The 38  Teaching Social Issues with Film film portrays Rock Hudson’s homosexuality, struggles with AIDS, and other secrets. The film details Rock Hudson’s divorce from Phyllis Gates and his discovery of being infected with AIDS and how he handles it. It also details the landmark case in which Marc Christian won against Hudson’s estate, because Hudson did not inform his lover that he was infected with AIDS. The film is based on the book,My Husband, Rock Hudson, by Rock Hudson’s ex-wife, Phyllis Gates.

Animal Rights Animal rights is a social issue that has recently received more attention by the media and lawmakers. Many countries have implemented various animal rights laws that protect animals from some types of human exploitation. Animal rights issues are most notably associated with People for Ethi- cal Treatment of Animals (PETA). Animal rights issues are also easily associated with the ramped popularity of dog fighting. However, animal rights issues are larger than that. Animal rights advocates approach the issue believing that all animals should no longer be regarded as property, used as food, clothing, research subjects, and/or for entertainment. Other films dealing with animal rights not detailed in this volume include: Born Free (1966), Casuistry: The Art of Killing a Cat (2004), Dealing Dogs: The Betrayal of Man’s Best Friend (2006), Delicacy of Despair (2003), En- dangered Mermaids: The Manatees of Florida (2003), Free Willy (1993), Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home (1995), Free Willy 3: The Rescue (1997), Grizzly Man (2005), Hoot (2006), Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, & Blonde (2003), Meet Your Meat (2003), The Shaggy Dog (2006), The Story of the Weeping Camel (2003), To Walk with Lions (1999), and Twelve Monkeys (1995).

The Animals Film (1981) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Myrium Alaux and Victor Schonfeld Produced By: Myrium Alaux and Victor Schonfeld Written By: Victor Schonfeld Filmography of Social Issues Films  39

Color: Color Length: 136 minutes Language: English Production Company: Beyond the Frame Cast: Julie Christie (narrator) and Sandy Dennis Film Synopsis The Animals Film is a documentary that explores and examines various types of animal abuse. The film depicts how animals are used as pets, entertainment, food, and research subjects. The film is narrated by Julie Chris- tie and includes an array of footage, including government film clips and newsreels.

Earthlings (2003) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: PG Alternative Title: None Directed By: Shaun Monson Produced By: Shaun Monson, Nicole Visram, Brett Harrelson, and Persia White Written By: Shaun Monson Color: Color/Black and white Length: 95 minutes Language: English Production Company: Nation Earth Cast: Joaquin Phoenix (narrator) Film Synopsis Earthlings is a documentary, narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, which chronicles the abuse of animals. The film examines how animals are used as pets, entertainment, food, and research subjects. The film also focuses on how many of the world’s largest industries profit from animals. Earthlings includes various types of footage and an original score by Moby. 40  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Fast Food Nation (2006) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Richard Linklater Produced By: Chris Salvaterra, Edward Saxon, Eric Schlosser, Jeff Skoll, Ricky Strauss, David M. Thompson, and Peter Watson Written By: Eric Schlosser and Richard Linklater Color: Color Length: 116 minutes Language: English Production Company: BBC Films Cast: Greg Kinnear, Wilmer Valderrama, Patricia Arquette, Ashley Johnson, Kris Kristofferson, Bruce Willis, Ethan Hawke, Avril Lavigne, and Luis Guzman Film Synopsis Fast Food Nation tells the story of Don Anderson (Greg Kinnear), the vice president of marketing for a fast food chain, and his investigation into how and why the company’s hamburgers are tainted with bovine fecal matter. The film is loosely based on the book Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal by Eric Schlosser.

Gorillas in the Mist: The Story of Dian Fossey (1988) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: Gorillas in the Mist Directed By: Michael Apted Produced By: Peter Gruber, Rick Baker, Terrance Clegg, Arne Glimcher, Judy Kessler, Jon Peters, and Robert Nixon Written By: Anna Hamilton Phelan Color: Color Filmography of Social Issues Films  41

Length: 129 minutes Language: English Production Company: The Guber-Peters Company Cast: Sigourney Weaver, Bryan Brown, Julie Harris, Ian Glen, David Lansbury, and Michael J. Reynolds Film Synopsis Gorillas in the Mist: The Story of Dian Fossey tells the true story of Dian Fossey, a scientist who spent her life studying and protecting endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda. The film portrays the life, work, and sacrifices of Dian Fossey (Sigourney Weaver). The movie depicts Fossey’s relationship with the gorillas, her failed romance with National Geographic photographer Bob Campbell (Bryan Brown), her advocate for protection of the gorillas from poachers, and her mysterious murder in 1985.

I Am an Animal: The Story of Ingrid Newkirk and PETA (2007) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Matthew Galkin Produced By: Mikaela Beardsley, Steven Cantor, Matthew Galkin, and Pax Wassermann Written By: None credited Color: Color Length: 72 minutes Language: English Production Company: Stick Figure Productions Cast: Bill Maher, Ingrid Newkirk, Alex Pacheco, and Pink Film Synopsis I Am an Animal: The Story of Ingrid Newkirk and PETA is a documentary film that examines the beliefs, ideas, motives, and life of Ingrid Newkirk. Newkirk is a British-born animal rights activist who co-founded People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the world’s largest animal rights organization. 42  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Your Mommy Kills Animals (2007) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: N/A Directed By: Curt Johnson Produced By: Curt Johnson, Maura Flynn, Earl Easley, and Dennis Banks Written By: None credited Color: Color Length: 105 minutes Language: English Production Company: Indie Genius Productions Cast: Ron Arnold, Jessica Biel, Cal Bryant, Sally Burns, Shane Barbi, James Cromwell, Sia Barbi, Bo Derek, Leo Grillo, Mark McGrath, and Ben Stein Film Synopsis Your Mommy Kills Animals is a documentary film that examines and explores the animal liberation movement in the United States. The film chronicles the conflicts between animal right activists and researchers, food companies, and others. The film also explores the Federal Bureau of Inves- tigation’s ranking of animal rights activists as the United States number one domestic terrorist threat.

Capital Punishment Capital punishment, or the death penalty, is a popular social issue among the populous. Capital punishment is simply the practice of execut- ing a human as punishment for a crime. Like many social issues, capital punishment is a common topic during elections of government officials and among religious groups. Films relevant to this topic can often pertain to other social issues, like death and the role of government. However, these social issues are handled separately in this chapter. Other films dealing with capital punishment not detailed in this volume include: Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (1956), Capote (2005), Cell 2455 Death Row (1955), Compulsion (1959), Execution (2006), The Execution of Raymond Graham (1985), The Executioner’s Song (1982), The Exonerated (2005), Fighting Filmography of Social Issues Films  43 for Life in the Death-Belt (2005), Fourteen Days in May (1988), I Want To Live (1958), Infamous (2006), Kill Me if You Can (1977), Last Dance (1996), Last Light (1993), A Lesson Before Dying (1999), Live! From Death Row (1992), Lost Behind Bars (2006), Monster’s Ball (2002), One on Top of the Other (1971), A Short Film about Killing (1987), Thanatos Rx: The Death Penalty Debate in Amer- ica (2001), Too Young to Die? (1990), True Crime (1999), The Verdict (1946), and Witness to the Execution (1994).

10 RilliNgton Place (1971) Genre: Crime, Drama MPAA Rating: PG Alternative Title: None Directed By: Richard Fleischer Produced By: Leslie Linder and Martin Ransohoff Written By: Clive Exton Color: Color Length: 111 minutes Language: English Production Company: Filmways Pictures Cast: Richard Attenborough, Judy Geeson, John Hurt, Pat Heywood, Isobel Black, Miss Riley, Phyllis MacMahon, and Ray Barron Film Synopsis 10 Rillington Place is based on a true story of John Reginald Halliday Christie, a British serial killer who raped and killed women in the 1940s and 1950s. Christie (Richard Attenborough) persuades Tim Evans (John Hurt) and his wife Beryl (Judy Geeson) into allowing him to perform an illegal abortion on Beryl. However, Christie instead rapes and kills Beryl and the baby and frames Tim for the crime. Tim is then arrested, tried, and convicted of murder and sentenced to death. 10 Rillington Place was adapted from Ludovic Kennedy’s book, Ten Rillington Place.

Dead Man Walking (1995) Genre: Drama 44  Teaching Social Issues with Film

MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Tim Robbins Produced By: Jon Kilik, Tim Robbins, and Rudd Simmons Written By: Tim Robbins Color: Color Length: 122 minutes Language: English Production Company: Havoc Cast: Susan Sarandon, Sean Penn, Robert Prosky, Raymond J. Barry, Kevin Cooney, Scott Wilson, Roberta Maxwell, and Nesbitt Blaisdell Film Synopsis Dead Man Walking is based on true events and tells the story of a nun and her relationship with a convicted murderer. Sister Helen Prejean (Su- san Sarandon) builds a relationship with Matthew Poncelet (Sean Penn) as his execution date moves near. Dead Man Walking is based on the nonfiction book by the same name written by Sister Helen Prejean. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, in which it won Best Actress in a Leading Role (Susan Sarandon).

Deadline (2004) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: Life after Death Row Directed By: Katy Chevigny and Kirsten Johnson Produced By: Katy Chevigny and Dallas Brennan Written By: None Credited Color: Color Length: 90 minutes Language: English Production Company: Arts Engine Filmography of Social Issues Films  45

Cast: Anthony Amsterdam, Stephen Bright, Donald Cabana, Tom Cross, Gary Gauger, Cornelia Grumman, Elaine Jones, and Larry Marshall Film Synopsis Deadline is an award-winning documentary that examines capital punishment in the United States. The film’s central focus is on the actions of the Governor of Illinois, George H. Ryan, and his historic decision to com- mute 167 inmates’ death sentences to life without parole. Governor Ryan’s awareness of possible flaws in the American justice system and sentencing of innocent citizens to death helped him make the historic decision.

The Green Mile (1999) MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: Stephen King’s The Green Mile Directed By: Frank Darabont Produced By: Frank Darabont and David Valdes Written By: Frank Darabont Color: Color Length: 188 minutes Language: English Production Company: Castle Rock Entertainment Cast: Tom Hanks, David Morse, Bonnie Hunt, Michael Clarke Duncan, Barry Pepper, Graham Greene, Doug Hutchison, Jeffrey DeMunn, and Patricia Clarkson Film Synopsis The Green Mile tells the story of Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks) and his life as a death row corrections officer in the 1930s. The film highlights various events surrounding the relationship and execution of death row prison- ers that ultimately impacts Edgecomb’s perspective on his life and job. The Green Mile was based on Stephen King’s novel by the same name. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor. 46  Teaching Social Issues with Film

In Cold Blood (1967) Genre: Crime/Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood Directed By: Richard Brooks Produced By: Richard Brooks Written By: Richard Brooks Color: Black and White Length: 134 minutes Language: English Production Company: Columbia Pictures Corporation Cast: Robert Blake, Scott Wilson, John Forsythe, Paul Stewart, Gerald S. O’Loughlin, Jeff Corey, John Gallaudet, James Flavin, and Charles McGraw Film Synopsis In Cold Blood is based on true events and was adapted for the screen from Truman Capote’s book by the same name. The film depicts the criminal investigation, trial, and execution of Perry Smith (Robert Blake) and Richard Hickock (Scott Wilson), who in 1959 murder Herbert Clutter and his wife and two children. In Cold Blood was nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Director and Best Screenplay.

The Life of David Gale (2003) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Alan Parker Produced By: Nicolas Cage and Alan Parker Written By: Charles Randolph Filmography of Social Issues Films  47

Color: Color Length: 130 minutes Language: English Production Company: Universal Pictures Cast: Kate Winslet, Cleo King, Constance Jones, Kevin Spacey, Laura Linney, Lee Ritchey, Gabriel Mann, Matt Craven, Brandy Little, and Leon Rippy Film Synopsis The Life of David Gale tells the story of David Gale (Kevin Spacey), a university professor and active opponent of capital punishment. Gale loses his job because he is accused of raping a student and is then convicted of murdering his colleague, Constance Harraway (Laura Linney), and is sentenced to death. Prior to the execution, a journalist named Bitsy Bloom (Kate Winslet) interviews David Gale and starts to uncover clues that point to Gale’s innocence.

Censorship Censorship has been portrayed on the big screen in various ways throughout cinematic history. Simply put, censorship is the suppression or deletion of ideas and information that is considered to be objectionable or dangerous. Censorship’s depiction on film has included social/moral, religious, political, corporate, and military types of censorship. Films relevant to censorship can often pertain to other social issues, such as media and the role of government. However, these social issues are handled separately in this chapter. Other films dealing with censorship not detailed in this volume include: -30- (1959), Cartoon Crazys Banned and Censored (2000), Censor (2001), The Chatterley Affair (2006), Cradle Will Rock (1999), Damned in the U.S.A. (1991), Dirty Pictures (2000), Empire of Censors (1995), Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (2008), Fear, Panic, & Censorship (2000), Forbidden Under the Censorship of the King (1972), The Front (1976), The Insider (1999), Iraq: A Tale of Censorship (2007), Lenny Bruce: Without Tears (1972), The Notorious Betty Page (2005), One Nation Under (2005), Park Row (1952), The People vs. Larry Flint (1996), Pleasantville (1998), Priest of Love (1981), Private Parts (1997), Sex, Censor- ship and the Silver Screen (1996), and Smothered: The Censorship Struggles of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (2002). 48  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Good Morning, Vietnam (1987) Genre: Comedy/Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Barry Levinson Produced By: Larry Brezner and Mark Johnson Written By: Mitch Markowitz Color: Color Length: 121 minutes Language: English Production Company: Touchstone Pictures Cast: Robin Williams, Forest Whitaker, Tung Thanh Tran, J.T. Walsh, Chintara Sukapatana, Bruno Kirby, Richard Portnow, Dan Stanton, and Noble Willingham Film Synopsis Good Morning, Vietnam is loosely based on the true story of Adrian Cronau- er. The film is set in Saigon during the Vietnam War and tells the story of Adrian Cronauer (Robin Williams), an Armed Forces Radio disc jockey and his original, humorous, and sometimes controversial radio broadcasts. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor (Robin Williams) and won a Golden Globe for Best Actor (Robin Williams).

Inherit the Wind (1960) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG Alternative Title: None Directed By: Stanley Kramer Produced By: Stanley Kramer Written By: Nedrick Young Color: Black and white Length: 128 minutes Filmography of Social Issues Films  49

Language: English Production Company: Stanley Kramer Productions Cast: Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, Gene Kelly, Dick York, Donna Anderson, Harry Morgan, Claude Akins, Elliott Reid, Paul Hartman, Jimmy Boyd, and Gordon Polk Film Synopsis Inherit the Wind is based on the true story of John T. Scopes and the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial. The film depicts the criminal trial and conviction of Bertram Cates (Dick York), who was charged for teaching his high school science class about Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Inherit the Wind was nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Actor and Best Screenplay.

Lenny (1974) Genre: Biography MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Bob Fosse Produced By: Marvin Worth Written By: Julian Barry Color: Black and white Length: 111 minutes Language: English Production Company: Marvin Worth Productions Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Valerie Perrine, Stanley Beck, Jan Miner, Frankie Man, Rashel Novikoff, Gary Morton, Guy Rennie, and Kathryn Witt Film Synopsis Lenny is a biographical account based on the play by Julian Barry and tells the story of Lenny Bruce (Dustin Hoffman) and his controversial comedy act. The film details Bruce’s life from his early career to his death in 1966. Lenny was nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Actor and Best Picture. 50  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Pump up the Volume (1990) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Allan Moyle Produced By: Rupert Harvey and Sandy Stern Written By: Allan Moyle Color: Color Length: 102 minutes Language: English Production Company: New Line Cinema Cast: Christian Slater, Annie Ross, Andy Romano, Mimi Kennedy, Scott Paulin, Ellen Greene, Anthony Lucero, Billy Morrissette, Robert Schenkkan, and Seth Green Film Synopsis Pump up the Volume tells the story of Mark Hunter (Christian Slater) and his controversial radio show. Mark is a shy teenager who hosts a pirated radio show under the name Hard Harry. Hard Harry’s controversial radio broadcasts cause the local teenagers to speak out and the community to panic.

Storm Center (1956) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: The Library Directed By: Daniel Taradash Produced By: Julian Blaustein Written By: Elick Moll and Daniel Taradash Color: Black and white Length: 85 minutes Language: English Filmography of Social Issues Films  51

Production Company: Julian Blaustein Productions Ltd. Cast: Bette Davis, Brian Keith, Kim Hunter, Paul Kelly, Kevin Coughlin, Joe Mantell, Sally Brophy, Howard Wierum, Curtis Cooksey, and Edward Platt Film Synopsis Storm Center tells the story of a small-town librarian, Alicia Hull (Bette Davis). She is fired and branded as a communist when she refuses to re- move a book titled The Communists Dream from the library’s collection.

This Film is Not Yet Rated (2006) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Kirby Dick Produced By: Eddie Schmidt Written By: Eddie Schmidt and Kirby Dick Color: Color Length: 97 minutes Language: English Production Company: Independent Film Channel Cast: Kimberly Peirce, Jon Lewis, David Ansen, Martin Garbus, Wayne Kramer, Kevin Smith, John Waters, Richard Heffner, and Matt Stone Film Synopsis This Film is Not Yet Rated is a documentary about the Motion Picture As- sociation of America and its impact on cinema and culture. The film specifically examines and highlights the Motion Picture Association of America’s film rating system and its inequities and biases.

Child Abuse Child abuse is one social issue that the majority of the populous would agree on. However, what is not always agreed upon is the punishment for child abusers and more important, what constitutes child abuse. Child 52  Teaching Social Issues with Film abuse is most often defined as the verbal, physical, emotional, psychological, and/or sexual maltreatment of a child. Child abuse has often been depicted on film and has become a more common aspect of films in the last 30–40 years. Films relevant to child abuse can often pertain to other social issues, such as divorce and spouse abuse. However, these social issues are handled separately in this chapter. Other films depicting child abuse not detailed in this volume include: Abuse (1983), Adam: His Song Continues (1986), Antwone Fisher (2002), Cap- turing the Friedmans (2003), Child of Rage (1992), The Children of Times Square (1986), Chinatown (1974), Deliver Us from Evil (2006), Do You Know the Muf- fin Man? (1989), Don’t Touch My Daughter (1991), Fallen Angel (1981), Fio- na (1998), Flowers in the Attic (1987), The Girl Next Door (2007), Happiness (1998), Hearts of the World (1918), I Know My First Name is Steven (1989), Kar- la (2006), Kids Don’t Tell (1985), Little Boy Blue (1997), Little Children (2006), Martyrs (2008), Mary Jane Harper Cried Last Night (1977), Maya (2001), Miss- ing Children: A Mother’s Story (1982), Mommie Dearest (1981), Mystic River (2003), A Promise to Carolyn (1996), The Reader (2008), Return to Innocence (2001), Right to Kill? (1985), Shattered Trust: The Shari Karney Story (1993), Sling Blade (1996), Slumdog Millionaire (2008), Song for a Raggy Boy (2003), Sparrows (1926), This Boy’s Life (1993), Unforgivable (1996), Unspeakable Acts (1990), While Justice Sleeps (1994), and Who’ll Save the Children? (1978).

An American Crime (2007) Genre: Drama/Crime MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: The Basement Directed By: Tommy O’Haver Produced By: Jocelyn Hayes, Katie Roumel, Kevin Turen, Christine Vachon, and Henry Winterstern Written By: Tommy O’Haver and Irene Turner Color: Color Length: 97 minutes Language: English Production Company: First Look International Filmography of Social Issues Films  53

Cast: Ellen Page, Hayley McFarland, Nick Searcy, Romy Rosemont, Catherine Keener, Ari Graynor, Michael O’Keefe, Bradley Whitford, and Michelle Benes Film Synopsis An American Crime is based on the true story of Sylvia Likens, a teenage girl who was tortured and murdered in the 1960s. The film tells the horrific story of Gertrude Baniszewski (Catherine Keener) and her role in the events surrounding the abuse, torture, and eventual murder of Sylvia Lik- ens (Ellen Page). Likens was locked in a basement and tortured by Banisze- wski and others until she eventually died. The film portrays the abuse and the criminal trial. An American Crime was nominated for an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Actor (Catherine Keener).

Indictment: The McMartin Trial (1995) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Mick Jackson Produced By: Diana Pokorny Written By: Abby Mann and Myra Mann Color: Color Length: 135 minutes Language: English Production Company: Abby Mann Productions Cast: James Woods, Mercedes Ruehl, Lolita Davidovich, Sada Thompson, Henry Thomas, Shirley Knight, Mark Bloom, Alison Elliot, and Scott Armstrong Film Synopsis Indictment: The McMartin Trial is based on the true story of the McMar- tin family and the criminal trial surrounding the allegations of child molestation. The film tells the story of the McMartin family and how their lives were forever changed because of allegations of child molestation. The film specifically depicts the criminal trial of the McMartin family, which, after 6 years, millions of dollars, and the imprisonment of the accused, resulted 54  Teaching Social Issues with Film in a dismissal. Indictment: The McMartin Trial was nominated for eight Emmy Awards, in which it won three, including Best Television Movie. The film was also nominated for four Golden Globes, in which it won two, including Best Television Movie.

Radio Flyer (1993) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: None Directed By: Richard Donner Produced By: Lauren Shuler Donner Written By: David M. Evans Color: Color Length: 114 minutes Language: English Production Company: Columbia Pictures Corporation Cast: Lorraine Bracco, John Heard, Tom Hanks, Adam Baldwin, Elijah Wood, Ben Johnson, Joseph Mazzello, Sean Baca, Garette Ratliff Henson, and Robert Munich Film Synopsis Radio Flyer depicts the events of two brothers in the 1960s and the abuse that one of them endures from their stepfather. The brothers, Mike (Elijah Wood) and Bobby (Joseph Mazzello), build an airplane using a radio flyer wagon, so that Bobby may escape from the abuse.

Sleepers (1996) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Barry Levinson Produced By: Barry Levinson and Steve Golin Filmography of Social Issues Films  55

Written By: Barry Levinson Color: Black and white/Color Length: 147 minutes Language: English Production Company: Baltimore Pictures Cast: Kevin Bacon, Billy Crudup, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Ron Eldard, Minnie Driver, Brad Renfro, Brad Pitt, and Vittorio Gassman Film Synopsis Sleepers tells the story of four teenage boys in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, who are sentenced to serve time in a boys’ home upstate. Once there, the four teenagers are beaten and raped by the guards. Years after the boys are released, they seek revenge on the guards. Sleepers is based on the book by Lorenzo Carcaterra by the same name. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score.

Sybil (1976) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Daniel Petrie Produced By: Jacqueline Babbin Written By: Stewart Stern Color: Color Length: 198 minutes Language: English Production Company: Lorimar Productions Cast: Joanne Woodward, Sally Field, Brad Davis, Martine Bartlett, Jane Hoffman, Charles Lane, Jessamine Milner, William Prince, and Penelope Allen Film Synopsis Sybil is a made-for-television film based on the true story of Shirley Mason. The film depicts the life of Sybil (Sally Field) and her horrific childhood. As 56  Teaching Social Issues with Film a child, Sybil was psychologically and sexually abused, causing her to develop 13 different personalities. Sybil is based on the book by Flora Rheta Schreiber by the same name. It was nominated for six Emmy Awards, in which it won four, including Outstanding Drama and Outstanding Actress (Sally Field).

Ultimate Betrayal (1994) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Donald Wrye Produced By: Julian Marks Written By: Gregory Goodell Color: Color Length: 96 minutes Language: English Production Company: Hearst Entertainment Productions Cast: Marlo Thomas, Mel Harris, Eileen Heckart, Kathryn Dowling, Henry Czerny, Donna Goodhand, David B. Nichols, Justin Louis, and Joanne Vannicola Film Synopsis Ultimate Betrayal, based on a true story, tells the story of two daughters who sue their father for incest and child abuse. As the story progresses, it is revealed that the father sexually abused all four of his daughters and physically abused his two sons.

Consumerism

The only reason a great many American families don’t own an elephant is that they have never been offered an elephant for a dollar down and easy weekly payments. —Mad magazine

Consumerism is unique in the sense of how it has been depicted on film. However, throughout the history of film, consumerism has been portrayed, from the accumulation of material goods to exhausting the earth’s Filmography of Social Issues Films  57 natural resources. The films detailed in this section focus centrally on the collection or consumption of goods and the exploitation of people and/ or the environment for the development, marketing, and/or sale of goods. Films relevant to consumerism can pertain to other social issues, like labor practices. However, this social issue is handled separately in this chapter. Other films dealing with consumerism not detailed in this volume include: 99 Francs (2007), American Psycho (2000), As Is: A Downsized Life (2005), Blood Diamond (2006), Consumerism! The Musical (2007), The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of the American Dream (2004), Envy (2004), Escape from Affluenza (1998), Everything’s Gone Green (2006), Fight Club (1999), Going Shopping (2005), Gone Shopping (2007), How to Get Ahead in Advertising (1989), Idiocracy (2006), In Debt We Trust (2006), King Corn (2007), King Kong (2005), Maxed Out (2005), Mean Girls (2004), Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936), Over the Hedge (2006), Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping (2002), The Rocking Horse Winner (1950), The Stuff (1985), Sur- plus: Terrorized into Being Consumers (2003), Thank You for Smoking (2005), They Live (1988), and WALL-E (2008).

Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009) Genre: Comedy/Romance MPAA Rating: PG Alternative Title: None Directed By: P.J. Hogan Produced By: Jerry Bruckheimer Written By: Tracey Jackson, Tim Firth, and Kayla Alpert Color: Color Length: N/A Language: English Production Company: Touchstone Pictures Cast: Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy, Krysten Ritter, Joan Cusack, John Goodman, and Nick Cornish Film Synopsis Confessions of a Shopaholic tells the story of Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fish- er) who is the ultimate consumer. Rebecca has a shopping addiction and moves to Manhattan to support her love for shopping. Although she is heav- 58  Teaching Social Issues with Film ily in debt, she continues to shop and attempts to find new ways to support her love for shopping. Confessions of a Shopaholic is based on the books, Confes- sions of a Shopaholic and Shopaholic take Manhattan written by Sophie Kinsella.

The Corporation (2003) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Mark Achbar and Jennifer Abbott Produced By: Mark Achbar and Bart Simpson Written By: Joel Bakan Color: Color Length: 145 minutes Language: English Production Company: Big Picture Media Corporation Cast: Jane Akre, Ray Anderson, Maude Barlow, Chris Barrett, Carlton Brown, Smedley Darlington Butler, Noam Chomsky, Samuel Epstein, and Michael Moore Film Synopsis The Corporation is a documentary film that examines and explores modern-day corporations. The film specifically examines the business practices of many corporations and their legal malfeasance. The film criticizes corporations for focusing only on profit gains and targeting consumers using deceitful tactics without regard for the consumer or guilt.

The Girl from Monday (2005) Genre: Action MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Hal Hartley Produced By: Steve Hamilton and Hal Hartley Filmography of Social Issues Films  59

Written By: Hal Hartley Color: Black and white/Color Length: 84 minutes Language: English Production Company: Possible Films Cast: Bill Sage, Sabrina Lloyd, Tatiana Abracos, Leo Fitzpatrick, D.J. Mendel, James Urbaniak, Juliana Francis, Gary Wilmes, and David Neumann Film Synopsis The Girl from Monday tells the story of a futuristic society where the consumer is king. In this society all people are bar-coded on the wrist and are treated like a product. People are marketed, sold, and traded. However, some people do not agree with the capitalistic system and attempt to go against the grain, only to become enemies of the corporation.

Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Prices (2005) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Robert Greenwald Produced By: Jim Gilliam, Robert Greenwald, and Devin Smith Written By: None credited Color: Color Length: 98 minutes Language: English Production Company: Brave New Films Cast: Edith Arana, James Cromwell, Diane DeVoy, Jordan Esry, Red Esry, Scott Esry, Frances Fisher, Stan Fortune, Rev. James Lawson, and Sandra Laney Film Synopsis Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Prices is a documentary that explores the impact Wal-Mart has on local communities. The film examines various 60  Teaching Social Issues with Film individuals from across the country and details how they are struggling to live in a Wal-Mart world.

What Would Jesus Buy (2007) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: PG Alternative Title: None Directed By: Rob VanAlkemade Produced By: Peter Hutchison, Stacey Offman, and Morgan Spurlock Written By: None Credited Color: Color Length: 91 minutes Language: English Production Company: Warrior Poets Cast: Bill Talen, Adetola Abiade, Paul Norman Allen, Shannon Baxter, Rick Becker, James Solomon Benn, Ben Cerf, and Leah Farrell Film Synopsis What Would Jesus Buy? is a documentary that examines the commer- cialization of Christmas in American culture and the overconsumption of material goods. The film follows Reverend Billy and his choir on a cross- country journey as they spread their message singing anti-consumer-related songs.

You Can’t Take It with You (1938) Genre: Comedy MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Frank Capra Produced By: Frank Capra Written By: Robert Riskin Color: Black and white Filmography of Social Issues Films  61

Length: 126 minutes Language: English Production Company: Columbia Pictures Corporation Cast: Jean Arthur, James Stewart, Edward Arnold, Lionel Barrymore, Ann Miller, Mischa Auer, Donald Meek, H.B. Warner, and Dub Taylor Film Synopsis You Can’t Take it With You tells the story of two families whose lifestyles and social classes clash. Alice (Jean Arthur) is from a unique family and falls in love with her boss, Tony (James Stewart), whose family is very wealthy and powerful. After the families meet, the relationship ends, which causes some changes in Tony’s family. You Can’t Take it With You was nominated for seven Academy Awards, in which it won two for Best Picture and Best Director. The film is based on the Pulitzer Prize–winning play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart by the same name.

Death Death is one of the most common and regular elements of movies. Death is simply the end of life. However, death as a social issue is more complex. The controversy surrounding death typically is associated with euthanasia, right to die, and suicide. Films portraying these death related issues will be detailed in this section, as well as films depicting terminally ill individuals and their impact on friends and family. Films relevant to death can often pertain to other social issues such as AIDS and religion. However, these social issues are handled separately in this chapter. Other films dealing with death not detailed in this volume include:Act of Love (1980), Alex: The Life of a Child (1986), The Altruist (2004), Anand (1971), Dead Poets Society (1989), Dr. Cook’s Garden (1971), In the Matter of Karen Ann Quinlan (1977), Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (1997), Last Holiday (2006), Life as a House (2001), Mademoiselle and the Doctor (2004), Magnolia (1999), Mar Adentro (2004), The Miracle of Kathy Miller (1982), Murder or Mercy (1974), My Girl (1991), My Life Without Me (2003), Night Unto Night (1949), Peaceful Exit (1995), Prescription: Suicide? (2005), Reversal of Fortune (1990), Romeo + Juliet (1996), The Shawshank Redemption (1994), Slender Thread (1965), The Time Being (1998), Time to Say Goodbye? (1997), Walking on Water (2002), When the Time Comes (1987), and Wit (2001). 62  Teaching Social Issues with Film

An Act of Murder (1948) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: Live Today for Tomorrow Directed By: Michael Gordon Produced By: Jerry Bresler Written By: Michael Blankfort Color: Black and white Length: 91 minutes Language: English Production Company: Universal International Pictures Cast: Fredric March, Edmond O’Brian, Florence Eldridge, Geraldine Brooks, Stanley Ridges, John McIntire, Frederic Tozere, and Will Wright Film Synopsis An Act of Murder tells the story of an iron-fisted judge (Fredric March) and his struggles with his terminally ill wife. Cooke’s wife is diagnosed with brain cancer and as the disease progresses her suffering increases. Yearning to stop his wife’s suffering, he considers killing her, but is conflicted about the moral and legal ramifications. The film was based on the novel, The Mills of God, by Ernst Lothar.

The Bucket List (2007) Genre: Adventure MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: None Directed By: Rob Reiner Produced By: Alan Greisman, Rob Reiner, Neil Meron, and Craig Zadan Written By: Justin Zackham Color: Color Length: 97 minutes Filmography of Social Issues Films  63

Language: English Production Company: Storyline Entertainment Cast: Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean Hayes, Beverly Todd, Rob Morrow, Alfonso Freeman, Angela Gardner, and Ian Anthony Dale Film Synopsis The Bucket List tells the story of two terminally ill patients who decide to live the rest of their days to the fullest. Two strangers, Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman), with nothing in common except the fact they are both dying, travel the world attempting to complete a list of things that they have never done. The film’s soundtrack was nominated for a Grammy Award for John Mayer’s song “Say.”

Right of Way (1983) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: George Schaefer Produced By: George Schaefer Written By: Richard Less Color: Color Length: 102 minutes Language: English Production Company: HBO Premiere Films Cast: Bette Davis, James Stewart, Melinda Dillon, Priscilla Morrill, John Harkins, Jacque Lynn Colton, Louis Schaefer, and Charles Walker Film Synopsis Right of Way is a made-for-television film that tells the story of an elderly couple and their battle to die on their own terms. Mini (Bette Davis) is diagnosed with a terminal illness and together Mini and her husband, Teddy (James Stewart), plan a joint suicide. However, the couple’s daughter and others attempt to divert the couple’s plan. 64  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Right to Die (1987) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Paul Wendkos Produced By: Karen Danaher-Dorr Written By: Phil Penningroth Color: Color Length: 90 minutes Language: English Production Company: Ohlmeyer Communications Company Cast: Raquel Welch, Michael Gross, Bonnie Bartlett, Peter Michael Goetz, Joanna Miles, Ed O’Neill, Diane Salinger, and Mark Shera Film Synopsis Right to Die is a made-for-television film that tells the story of a successful psychologist, Emily Bauer (Rachel Welch), who is diagnosed with Lou Geh- rig’s disease. As her disease progresses, Emily longs for death and pleads with her husband to help her die. Right to Die was nominated for three Emmy Awards and one Golden Globe for Best Actress (Rachel Welch).

The Virgin Suicides (1999) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: Sofia Coppola’s the Virgin Suicides Directed By: Sofia Coppola Produced By: Francis Ford Coppola, Julie Costanzo, Dan Halsted, and Chris Hanley Written By: Sofia Coppola Color: Color Length: 97 minutes Language: English Filmography of Social Issues Films  65

Production Company: American Zoetrope Cast: James Woods, Kathleen Turner, Josh Hartnett, Kirsten Dunst, Scott Glenn, Danny DeVito, Hanna Hall, Chelse Swain, and A.J. Cook Film Synopsis The Virgin Suicides is set in the suburbs of Detroit during the 1970s and tells the story of five sisters who are sheltered by their overprotective parents. The sisters, unhappy and wanting freedom, plan a group suicide. The Virgin Suicides is based on the novel by the same name written by Jeffrey Eugenides.

Whose Life is it Anyway (1981) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: John Badham Produced By: Lawrence P. Bachmann Written By: Brian Clark Color: Color Length: 105 minutes Language: English Production Company: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Cast: Richard Dreyfuss, John Cassavetes, Christine Lahti, Bob Balaban, Kenneth McMillan, Kaki Hunter, Thomas Carter, Alba Oms, and Janet Eilber Film Synopsis Whose Life is it Anyway? tells the story of Ken Harrison (Richard Drey- fuss) who is paralyzed. The film depicts Ken’s accident and his arguments on whether he should be allowed to die. Whose Life is it Anyway? is based on the 1972 television play by the same name.

Disabilities Disabilities have regularly been portrayed on the big screen. Memo- rable and award-winning depictions such as Dustin Hoffman as a savant in 66  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Rain Man, Daniel Day-Lewis as a writer and painter with cerebral palsy in My Left Foot, or Jamie Fox as Ray Charles in Ray. The films detailed in the volume pertain to four disabilities: mental illness, mental handicaps, physical impairment, and visual/hearing impairment. Other films dealing with mentally handicapped–related issues not detailed in this volume include: Best Boy (1979), Bill: On His Own (1983), For- rest Gump (1994), Of Mice and Men (1939), Radio (2003), Rain Man (1988), Sling Blade (1996), and Walter and June (1983). Other films dealing with mental illness not detailed in this volume include: Fight Club (1999), Manic (2001), One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), Proof (2005), The Snake Pit (1948), The Soloist (2009), Sybil (1976), Taxi Driver (1976), and Tender is the Night (1962). Other films dealing with physical impairment not detailed in this volume include: Born on the Fourth of July (1989), Coming Home (1978), The Mighty (1998), and Rear Window (1998). Other films dealing with visual/hearing impairment not detailed in this volume include the following: Black (2005), Mandy (1952), Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995), Music Within (2007), Ray (2004), Scent of a Woman (1992), Sound and Fury (2000), Wildflower (1991).

A Beautiful Mind (2001) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: None Directed By: Ron Howard Produced By: Brian Grazer and Ron Howard Written By: Akiva Goldsman Color: Color Length: 135 minutes Language: English Production Company: Universal Pictures Cast: Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly, Christopher Plummer, Paul Bettany, Adam Goldberg, Josh Lucas, and Anthony Rapp Filmography of Social Issues Films  67

Film Synopsis A Beautiful Mind is based on the life of John Nash, a brilliant mathema- tician. The film portrays the life of Nash (Russell Crowe) and chronicles his struggles with paranoid schizophrenia. A Beautiful Mind was inspired by Sylvia Nasar’s bestselling book by the same name. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, in which it won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress (Jennifer Connelly), and Best Screenplay.

As Good As It Gets (1997) Genre: Comedy MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: Old Friends Directed By: James L. Brooks Produced By: James L. Brooks, Bridget Johnson, and Kristi Zea Written By: Mark Andrus Color: Color Length: 139 minutes Language: English Production Company: TriStar Pictures Cast: Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, Cuba Gooding Jr., Skeet Ulrich, Shirley Knight, and Yeardley Smith Film Synopsis As Good As It Gets tells the story of Melvin Udall (Jack Nicholson), a writer who suffers from a severe case of obsessive–compulsive disorder. Melvin’s disorder and his dislike for others eventually are tested when he befriends a waitress named Carol Connelly (Helen Hunt) and a homosexual neighbor named Simon Bishop (Greg Kinnear). As Good As It Gets was nominated for seven Academy Awards, in which it won Best Actor (Jack Nicholson) and Best Actress (Helen Hunt).

Bill (1981) Genre: Drama 68  Teaching Social Issues with Film

MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Anthony Page Produced By: Mel Stuart Written By: Corey Blechman Color: Color Length: 100 minutes Language: English Production Company: Alan Landsburg Productions Cast: Mickey Rooney, Dennis Quaid, Largo Woodruff, Anna Maria Horsford, Harry Goz, Kathleen Maguire, William J. Daprato, and Raymond Serra Film Synopsis Bill is a made-for-television film that tells the true story of Bill Sackter. Bill (Mickey Rooney) is a mentally handicapped man who has been institution- alized since he was 7 years old. He is finally released and ventures into the world on his own. Bill eventually meets a nice family who welcomes him into their home. Bill was nominated for three Emmy Awards, in which it won two, including Best Actor (Mickey Rooney). Bill also won two Golden Globes for Best Made for Television Movie and Best Actor (Mickey Rooney).

I Am Sam (2001) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: None Directed By: Jessie Nelson Produced By: Jessie Nelson, Richard Solomon, Marshall Herskovitz, and Edward Zwick Written By: Jessie Nelson and Kristine Johnson Color: Color Length: 132 minutes Language: English Filmography of Social Issues Films  69

Production Company: New Line Cinema Cast: Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dakota Fanning, Diane Wiest, Loretta Devine, Richard Schiff, Laura Dern, and Brad Silverman Film Synopsis I Am Sam tells the moving story of a mentally handicapped father and his relationship with his daughter. Sam (Sean Penn) has a daughter, Lucy (Dakota Fanning), but some people start to question Sam’s ability to raise her. The issue is taken to court and Sam has to battle for custody. I Am Sam was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor (Sean Penn).

The Miracle Worker (1962) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Arthur Penn Produced By: Fred Coe Written By: William Gibson Color: Black and white Length: 106 minutes Language: English Production Company: Playfilm Productions Cast: Anne Bancroft, Victor Joy, Inga Swenson, Andrew Prine, Kathleen Comegys, Patty Duke, Diane Bryan, Donna Bryan, and Peggy Burke Film Synopsis The Miracle Worker is a biographical account of the life of Helen Keller. The film depicts the struggles and hardships of Helen Keller (Patty Duke) and her relationship with her teacher Annie Sullivan (Anne Bancroft). The Miracle Worker was based on Helen Keller’s autobiography, The Story of My Life. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, in which it won two for Best Actress (Anne Bancroft) and Best Supporting Actress (Patty Duke). 70  Teaching Social Issues with Film

My Left Foot: The Story of Christy Brown (1989) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Jim Sheridan Produced By: Noel Pearson Written By: Shane Connaughton Color: Color Length: 103 minutes Language: English Production Company: Ferndale Films Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Brenda Fricker, Alison Whelan, Kirsten Sheridan, Declan Croghan, Eanna MacLiam, and Marie Conmee Film Synopsis My Left Foot: The Story of Christy Brown is based on the true story of Chris- ty Brown. The film chronicles the life of Brown (Daniel Day-Lewis), who was born with cerebral palsy and can only control his left foot. Despite his handicap, Christy grows up to become a writer and artist. My Left Foot: The Story of Christy Brown was based on Christy Brown’s autobiography by the same name. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, in which it won two for Best Actor (Daniel Day-Lewis) and Best Supporting Actress (Brenda Fricker).

Divorce Divorce has been a prominent and often common aspect of movies. Simply put, divorce is the breakup of a marriage. Divorce has been depicted in all genres of film including comedies, romances, and dramas. Through- out cinematic history the depiction of divorce has changed with the views of society. Films relevant to divorce can often pertain to other social issues such as spousal abuse and women’s rights. However, these social issues are handled separately in this chapter. Other films dealing with divorce not detailed in this volume include: Alimony (1949), The Bigamist (1953), A Bill of Divorcement (1940), Breaking Up is Hard To Do (1979), Children of Divorce (1980), Divorce American Style (1968), Filmography of Social Issues Films  71

Divorce Iranian Style (1998), The Divorce of Lady X (1938), Divorce Wars (1982), Dodsworth (1936), Domestic Disturbance (2001), Don’t Change Your Husband (1918), Don’t Divorce the Children (1989), How to Divorce Without Screwing Up Your Children (2006), Intolerable Cruelty (2003), Laws of Attraction (2004), The Marriage of a Young Stockbroker (1971), The Marrying Kind (1952), Must Love Dogs (2005), Old Wives for New (1918), The Parent Trap (1998), The Philadel- phia Story (1940), Stepmom (1998), Under the Tuscan Sun (2003), The Unfaith- ful (1947), and Why Change Your Wife (1920).

Divorce His --- Divorce Hers (1973) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Waris Hussein Produced By: Terence Baker and Gareth Wigan Written By: John Hopkins Color: Color Length: 180 minutes Language: English Production Company: World Film Services Cast: Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Carrie Nye, Barry Foster, Gabriele Ferzetti, Daniela Surina, Thomas Baptiste, and Ronald Radd Film Synopsis Divorce His–Divorce Hers is a two-part film that depicts the dissolution of a marriage of 18 years, from each spouse’s perspective. Part one tells the story from Martin Reynolds’s (Richard Burton) point of view and part two tells the story from Jane Reynolds’s (Elizabeth Taylor) point of view.

The Divorcee (1930) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated 72  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Alternative Title: None Directed By: Robert Z. Leonard Produced By: Robert Z. Leonard Written By: Nick Grinde, Zelda Sears, and John Meehan Color: Color Length: 82 minutes Language: English Production Company: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Cast: Norma Shearer, Chester Morris, Conrad Nagel, Robert Montgomery, Florence Eldridge, Helene Millard, and Robert Elliot Film Synopsis The Divorcee portrays the difficulty of marriage. The film tells the story of Ted Martin (Chester Morris) and his marriage to Jerry Bernard (Norma Shearer). The couple’s marriage falls apart because of infidelity on both sides.The Divorcee is based on the book by Ursula Parrott, Ex-Wife. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, in which it won one for Best Actress (Norma Shearer).

The First Wives Club (1996) Genre: Comedy MPAA Rating: PG Alternative Title: None Directed By: Hugh Wilson Produced By: Scott Rudin Written By: Robert Harling Color: Color Length: 103 minutes Language: English Production Company: Paramount Pictures Cast: Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton, Maggie Smith, Dan Hedaya, Sarah Jessica Parker, Stephen Collins, and Elizabeth Berkley Filmography of Social Issues Films  73

Film Synopsis The First Wives Club tells the story of three divorced women who plan to get revenge on each of their ex-husbands. The trio, Elise (Goldie Hawn), Annie (Diane Keaton), and Brenda (Bette Midler), decide to hurt their husbands’ financial well-being, since they helped their husbands obtain their financial success.The First Wives Club is based on the book by the same name by Olivia Goldsmith. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Music.

Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG Alternative Title: None Directed By: Robert Benton Produced By: Stanley R. Jaffe Written By: Robert Benton Color: Color Length: 105 minutes Language: English Production Company: Columbia Pictures Corporation Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Jane Alexander, Justin Henry, Howard Duff, George Coe, JoBeth Williams, Bill Moor, and Howland Chamberlain Film Synopsis Kramer vs. Kramer depicts the impact a couple’s divorce has on all involved parties. Joanna (Meryl Streep) leaves her husband, Ted (Dustin Hoffman), and he is left to raise their son Billy (Justin Henry). Over a year later Joanna returns and wants her son, but Ted is not willing to hand over custody and a custody hearing follows. Kramer vs. Kramer is based on the novel by the same name written by Avery Corman. The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards, in which it won five, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Dustin Hoffman), and Best Supporting Actress (Meryl Streep). 74  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) Genre: Comedy MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: None Directed By: Chris Columbus Produced By: Mark Radcliffe, Robin Williams, and Marsha Garces Williams Written By: Randi Mayem Singer Color: Color Length: 125 minutes Language: English Production Company: Blue Wolf Cast: Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fierstein, Polly Holiday, Matthew Lawrence, and Mara Wilson Film Synopsis Mrs. Doubtfire is about a divorced father, Daniel Hillard (Robin Wil- liams), who yearns to spend more time with his children who are in the custody of his ex-wife (Sally Field). Daniel secretly disguises himself as a female nanny and gets hired by his ex-wife to be the nanny of his children. Mrs. Doubtfire is based on the book, Madame Doubtfire, by Anne Fine. The film won an Academy Award for Best Makeup and two Golden Globes for Best Actor (Robin Williams) and Best Picture for a Comedy/Musical.

The War of the Roses (1989) Genre: Comedy MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Danny DeVito Produced By: James L. Brooks and Arnon Milchan Written By: Michael Leeson Color: Color Filmography of Social Issues Films  75

Length: 116 minutes Language: English Production Company: Gracie Films Cast: Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, Danny DeVito, Marianne Sägebrecht, Sean Astin, Heather Fairfield, Peter Donat, and G.D. Spradlin Film Synopsis The War of the Roses depicts the story of Oliver Rose (Michael Douglas) and Barbara Rose (Kathleen Turner), a wealthy couple who decide to get a divorce. The film focuses on the couple’s bitter divorce and battle for material possessions, mainly the house. The War of the Roses is based on the book by the same name by Warren Adler. The film was nominated for three Golden Globes, including Best Picture.

Drugs Drugs are simply a substance that alters or affects an individual’s bodily functions or mental state. Drugs are a common element of movies and have been depicted in many ways, including the addiction to drugs, the selling/ distribution of drugs, and the impact drugs have on the individual and those close to the individual. Drugs typically portrayed in films are marijuana, cocaine, crack, LSD, and heroin. Drugs as a social issue is more complex and this section focuses on illegal drug trafficking and how the government attempts to prevent the distribution and use of illegal drugs. Films relevant to drugs can often pertain to other social issues such as addiction and role of government. However, these social issues are handled separately in this chapter. Other films dealing with drugs not detailed in this volume include: Bad Boys II (2003), The Border (1982), Grass (1999), Hempsters: Plant the Seed (2008), High: The True Tale of American Marijuana (2006), Miami Vice (2006), New Jack City (1991), Plan Colombia: Cash-In on the Drug War Failure (2003), Poppies are Also Flowers (1966), Prince of Pot: The U.S. vs. Marc Emery (2007), The Salton Sea (2002), Saving Grace (2000), Scarface (1983), Waiting to Inhale: Marijuana, Medicine, and the Law (2005), and World’s Most Dangerous Drug (2006).

American Drug War: The Last White Hope (2007) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: Not Rated 76  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Alternative Title: None Directed By: Kevin Booth Produced By: Kevin Booth and George Booth Written By: None Credited Color: Color Length: 120 minutes Language: English Production Company: Sacred Cow Productions Cast: Joe Arpaio, Jello Biafra, Jeff Blackburn, Curt Booth, Kevin Booth, Tommy Chong, Paris Chong, Judge James Gray, and Gary Gardner Film Synopsis American Drug War: The Last White Hope is a documentary film about America’s war on drugs. The film explores what is considered to be the United States’ longest and most expensive war, through testimonials from those directly working or impacted by the war on drugs, including CIA agents, politicians, and gang members.

American Gangster (2007) Genre: Crime MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: The Return of Superfly Directed By: Ridley Scott Produced By: Brian Grazer and Ridley Scott Written By: Steven Zaillian Color: Color Length: 157 minutes Language: English Production Company: Universal Pictures Cast: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin, Lymari Nadal, Ted Levine, Malcolm Goodwin, and Ruby Dee Film Synopsis American Gangster is based on the true story of Harlem gangster and drug smuggler Ray Lucas. The film tells the story of Ray Lucas (Denzel Filmography of Social Issues Films  77

Washington) and how he became one of the most powerful and influential drug dealers in America. The film chronicles Ray Lucas’s life and the methods he used to smuggle drugs into the United States. American Gangster was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Art Direction and Best Sup- porting Actress (Ruby Dee).

Blow (2001) Genre: Biography MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Ted Demme Produced By: Ted Demme, Denis Leary, and Joel Stillerman Written By: David McKenna Color: Color Length: 124 minutes Language: English Production Company: Apostle Cast: Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Franka Potente, Rachel Griffiths, Paul Reubens, Ray Liotta, Jesse James, and Kevin Gage Film Synopsis Blow focuses on the trafficking of illegal drugs into the United States and is based on the true story of George Jung. The film tells the story of Jung (Johnny Depp) and how he became an instrumental figure in the illegal trafficking of cocaine. Blow was adapted for the screen from Bruce Porter’s book, Blow: How a Small Town Boy Made $100 Million with the Medellin Cocaine Cartel and Lost It All.

Cocaine Cowboys (2006) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Billy Corben 78  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Produced By: Billy Corben and Alfred Spellman Written By: None credited Color: Color Length: 118 minutes Language: English Production Company: Rakontur Cast: Jon Roberts, Al Sunshine, Sam Burstyn, Mickey Munday, Bob Palumbo, Toni Mooney, Al Singleton, Edna Buchanan, and Joseph Davis Film Synopsis Cocaine Cowboys is a documentary film that details the history of drug trafficking in America. The film specifically focuses on the illegal drug trade in Miami, Florida, during the 1970s and 1980s. The film includes interviews from law enforcement officers and organized crime affiliates. The film also includes actual news footage from the era.

Maria Full of Grace (2004) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: María llena eres de gracia Directed By: Joshua Marston Produced By: Paul S. Mezey Written By: Joshua Marston Color: Color Length: 101 minutes Language: Spanish and English Production Company: HBO Films Cast: Catalina Sandino Moreno, Virginia Ariza, Yenny Paola Vega, Rodrigo Sánchez Borhorquez, Wilson Guerrero, and Charles Albert Patiño Film Synopsis Maria Full of Grace tells the story of Maria (Catalina Sandino Moreno), a 17-year-old Colombian teenager who needs to earn some money. Maria is offered a chance to earn some cash as a drug mule, and although she is Filmography of Social Issues Films  79 pregnant she accepts the job. The film depicts the life of a drug mule, a common method of drug smuggling. The film was nominated for an Acad- emy Award for Best Actress (Catalina Sandino Moreno).

Traffic (2000) Genre: Crime MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: Traffik Directed By: Steven Soderbergh Produced By: Laura Bickford, Edward Zwick, and Marshall Herskovitz Written By: Stephen Gaghan Color: Color Length: 147 minutes Language: English Production Company: Bedford Falls Productions Cast: Benicio Del Toro, Jacob Vargas, Andrew Chavez, Michael Saucedo, Tomas Milian, Michael Douglas, Russell G. Jones, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Don Cheadle Film Synopsis Traffic depicts America’s war on drugs through a series of interwoven stories. The film examines the illegal drug trade from the perspectives of a trafficker, politican, addict, and law enforcement officer.Traffic was adapted for the screen from the British Television series, Traffik. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, in which it won four including Best Direc- tor and Best Supporting Actor (Benicio Del Toro).

Environmental Issues Environmental issues are a uniquely depicted theme in many Holly- wood films. Typically environmental issues are handled on the big screen as a futuristic result of the present-day misuses and abuses of the environment. End of the world–type movies and science fiction–related films are more commonly associated with environmental issues. Many consider global warming the only environmental issue. However, there are many other issues such as exploiting the world’s natural resources and demolishing the 80  Teaching Social Issues with Film rain forest. Films relevant to environmental issues can often pertain to other social issues such as consumerism. However, this social issue is handled separately in this chapter. Other films dealing with environmental issues not detailed in this volume include: Betrayed (2003), Blue Vinyl (2002), Can the Environment Get a Table Dance? (2008), Category 7: The End of the World (2005), Clear Cut: The Story of Philomath, Oregon (2006), Corn (2004), A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash (2006), Deadly Deception: General Electric, Nuclear Weapons and Our Envi- ronment (1991), Doomwatch (1972), An Enemy of the People (1978), Erin Brock- ovich (2000), Everything’s Cool (2007), The Fire Next Time (1993), Go Further (2003), The Great Global Warming Swindle (2007), Green: The New Red, White and Blue (2007), I Dreamed of Africa (2000), Ice (1998), No Blades of Grass (1970), Prophecy (1979), Quiet Earth (1985), Revolution Green (2007), Silent Running (1972), Soylent Green (1973), Sprawling from Grace (2008), Taking Back Our Town (2001), Texas Gold (2006), Toxic Trespass (2007), The Water- keepers (2000), and Waterworld (1995).

A Civil Action Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: None Directed By: Steven Zaillian Produced By: Rachel Pfeffer, Robert Redford, and Scott Rudin Written By: Steven Zaillian Color: Color Length: 115 minutes Language: English Production Company: Touchstone Pictures Cast: John Travolta, Robert Duvall, Tony Shalhoub, William H, Macy, John Lithgow, Mary Mara, James Gandolfini, and Dan Hedaya Film Synopsis A Civil Action is based on the actual court case of Anne Anderson v. Cryo- vac, Inc. The film is set in Woburn, Massachusetts, and tells the story of an environmental issue that affects the town. Environmental toxins contami- nate the town’s water supply and as a result a number of local children die. The film focuses on the legal case that is brought against the companies Filmography of Social Issues Films  81 responsible for the toxins. A Civil Action was based on the book by the same name written by Jonathan Harr. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor and Best Cinematography.

An Inconvenient Truth (2006) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: PG Alternative Title: None Directed By: Davis Guggenheim Produced By: Lawrence Bender, Scott Z. Burns, and Laurie Lennard Written By: None Credited Color: Color Length: 100 minutes Language: English Production Company: Lawrence Bender Productions Cast: Al Gore and Billy West Film Synopsis An Inconvenient Truth a documentary that explores the issue of global warming. Former Vice President Al Gore discusses and details the causes and effects global warming has on the world. An Inconvenient Truth won two Academy Awards for Best Documentary and Best Original Song.

THE Day After Tomorrow (2004) Genre: Action MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: Tomorrow Directed By: Roland Emmerich Produced By: Roland Emmerich and Mark Gordon Written By: Roland Emmerich Color: Color 82  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Length: 124 minutes Language: English Production Company: Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation Cast: Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal, Emmy Rossum, Dash Mihok, Jay O. Sanders, Sela Ward, Austin Nichols, and Ian Holm Film Synopsis The Day After Tomorrow depicts the apocalyptic effects of global warming and global cooling. The film tells the story of climatologist Jack Hall (Den- nis Quaid), who attempts to save the world from global warming. However, the beginnings of the new ice age unexpectedly comes and Hall must save his son from the frozen tundra that was once New York City. The Day After Tomorrow was inspired by the book The Coming Global Superstorm by Art Bell and Whitley Strieber.

Fuel (2008) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: Fields of Fuel Directed By: Joshua Tickell Produced By: Daniel Assael, Darius Fisher, Rebecca Harrell, and Dale Rosenbloom Written By: Johnny O’Hara Color: Color Length: 112 minutes Language: English Production Company: Blue Water Entertainment Cast: Barbara Boxer, Richard Branson, George W. Bush, Sheryl Crow, Jimmy Carter, Woody Harrelson, Ronald Reagan, Deborah Dupre, and Larry David Film Synopsis Fuel is a documentary that explores and examines the demand for energy. The film examines the connections between the government, oil companies, and automobile manufacturers. The film also discusses the use of Filmography of Social Issues Films  83 alternative energies such as solar, wind, and biofuels. In addition, the film chronicles America’s addiction to oil and its connection to the economy.

The Green Chain (2007) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Mark Leiren-Young Produced By: Mark Leiren-Young and Tony Wosk Written By: Mark Leiren-Young Color: Color Length: 90 minutes Language: English Production Company: I Love Trees Productions Inc. Cast: Tricia Helfer, Brenden Fletcher, Tahmoh Penikett, Babs Chula, Jillian Fargey, Scott McNeil, and August Schellenberg Film Synopsis The Green Chain portrays the confrontation between loggers and en- vironmentalists. The film tells the story of a community and the varying perspectives held by its populous. It highlights the conflict between loggers and those opposed to the destruction of forest land.

Who Killed the Electric Car (2006) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: PG Alternative Title: None Directed By: Chris Paine Produced By: Jessie Deeter Written By: Chris Paine Color: Color 84  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Length: 92 minutes Language: English Production Company: Plinyminor Cast: Martin Sheen, Reverend Gadget, Dave Barthmuss, Ed Begley Jr., Jim Boyd, Alec N. Brooks, Colette Divine, and Mel Gibson Film Synopsis Who Killed the Electric Car? is a film that chronicles the creation, limited distribution, and destruction of the electric car. The film examines the causes for the destruction of electric cars, specifically General Motors EV1, and the connection between automobile manufacturers, oil companies, and the government. The film also discusses the role of renewable energy in society.

Gang Culture Gang culture has been depicted on film in various ways. Gang culture as a topic has come and gone as gang culture reasserts itself into the national spotlight. Gang culture is simply the activities and lifestyle of gangs and their members. Many films depict specific illegal activities, which can include the sale of drugs and/or stolen goods and various types of violence gangs can partake in. Gang culture became a more significant topic in films during the last 30–40 years, focusing on racial and ethnic urban gangs, like the Bloods and the Crips. Films relevant to gang culture can often pertain to other social issues such as hate groups and racism. However, these social issues are handled separately in this chapter. Other films dealing with gang culture not detailed in this volume include: 15: The Movie (2003), American History X (1998), Bad Boy (2004), Beantown (2007), Boyz N the Hood (1991), Brother (2000), Corrupt (1999), City Across the River (1949), Cry-Baby (1990), Dangerous Minds (1995), Deuces Wild (2002), Gangs of New York (2002), Gran Torino (2008), Hells Angels on Wheels (1967), Juice (1992), Key Witness (1960), Mad at the World (1955), A Man Apart (2003), My Crazy Life (1993), On the Downlow (2004), The Red Skulls (2005), Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story (2004), Rumble Fish (1983), Slippin’: Ten Years with the Bloods (2005), South Central (1992), The Wanderers (1979), The Warriors (1979), Why We Bang (2006), and The Wild One (1953). Filmography of Social Issues Films  85

American Me (1992) Genre: Biography MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Edward James Olmos Produced By: Sean Daniel, Edward James Olmos, and Robert M. Young Written By: Floyd Mutrux Color: Color Length: 125 minutes Language: English Production Company: Universal Pictures Cast: Edward James Olmos, Sal Lopez, Vira Montes, Roberto Martín Márquez, Dyana Ortelli, William Forsythe, and Richard Coca Film Synopsis American Me was inspired by the true story of the founder of the Mexi- can mafia, Rodolfo Cadena. The film tells the story of Santana (Edward James Olmos), a Mexican American who spends a great deal of his life in prison. While serving an 18- year sentence, Santana establishes the Mexican mafia and quickly rises to power, which spreads outside of the prison walls.

Blood In, Blood Out (1993) Genre: Action MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: Bound by Honor Directed By: Taylor Hackford Produced By: Jerry Gershwin and Taylor Hackford Written By: Jimmy Santiago Baca Color: Color Length: 180 minutes Language: English 86  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Production Company: Hollywood Pictures Cast: Damian Chapa, Jesse Borrego, Delroy Lindo, Victor Rivers, Billy Bob Thornton, Teddy Wilson, Raymond Cruz, and Valente Rodriguez Film Synopsis Blood In, Blood Out is based on the real-life experiences of Jimmy San- tiago Baca, a Mexican American writer and poet. The film chronicles the lives of three relatives during the 1970s and 1980s. The film specifically focuses on their membership in the East Los Angeles gang known as the “Vatos Locos” and the separates paths that gang life leads them.

Bra Boys: Blood is Thicker than Water (2007) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Sunny Abberton and Macario De Souza Produced By: Sunny Abberton Written By: Sunny Abberton and Stuart Beattie Color: Color Length: 90 minutes Language: English Production Company: Bradahood Productions Cast: Russell Crowe, Kelly Slater, Cheyne Horan, Jack Kingsley, Sean Doherty, Koby Abberton, John Gannon, and Maurice Cole Film Synopsis Bra Boys: Blood is Thicker than Water is a documentary film that examines and explores the notorious Australian surf gang known as the Bra Boys. The film highlights the origins of the gang, their continuous clashes with authorities, and their social deviances in Maroubra, a suburb of Sydney.

Colors (1988) Genre: Crime Filmography of Social Issues Films  87

MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Dennis Hopper Produced By: Robert H. Solo Written By: Michael Schiffer Color: Color Length: 120 minutes Language: English Production Company: Orion Pictures Corporation Cast: Sean Penn, Robert Duvall, Maria Conchita Alonso, Randy Brooks, Grand L. Bush, Don Cheadle, Glenn Plummer, Gerardo Mejía, and Damon Wayans Film Synopsis Colors is set in South Central Los Angeles and tells the story of two police officers who attempt to eliminate local gang violence. The film focuses on Bob Hodges (Robert Duvall), a veteran police officer, and his rookie partner, Danny McGavin (Sean Penn), and how they attempt to maintain order and justice among the violent clashes between the Bloods and the Crips.

The Outsiders (1983) Genre: Crime MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: None Directed By: Francis Ford Coppola Produced By: Gray Frederickson and Fred Roos Written By: Kathleen Rowell Color: Color Length: 91 minutes Language: English Production Company: Zoetrope Studios Cast: C. Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, Emilio Estevez, Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Ralph Macchio, and Darren Dalton 88  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Film Synopsis The Outsiders portrays two rival gangs and the violence that is caused by their hatred. The film tells the story of the Greasers and the Socs, who continuously battle for turf and power. The Outsiders is based on the book by the same name written by S.E. Hinton.

West Side Story (1961) Genre: Musical MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise Produced By: Robert Wise Written By: Ernest Lehman Color: Color Length: 152 minutes Language: English Production Company: The Mirisch Corporation Cast: Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, Simon Oakland, Ned Glass, and David Bean Film Synopsis West Side Story is a musical about two lovers, each from a rival gang in New York City. The film tells the story of Tony (Richard Beymer), a white Jet, and Maria (Natalie Wood), a Puerto Rican Shark, and their forbidden relationship. Tony and Maria’s secret love provokes a battle between the rival gangs for control of the streets. West Side Story was adapted for the screen from William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The film won 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Cinematography.

Genocide

There is a flaw in human nature that, if allowed full rein, leads to suspicion, alienation, victimization, and finally even genocide—the “final solution.” —Desmond M. Tutu Filmography of Social Issues Films  89

Genocide can be defined as “any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such: (a) Killing members of the group; (b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; (c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; (d) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; (e) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group” (United Nations, 1948, Article 2). Genocide-related events have often been depicted in films. The large majority of films pertaining to genocide portray the atrocities of the Holocaust. However, there have been and/or currently are other genocides that need to be examined, such as Armenian genocide, the atrocities in Rwanda, and genocide in Darfur. Other films dealing with genocide not detailed in this volume include: Armenian Genocide (2006), Blood Diamond (2006), Darfur Diaries (2006), Death of a Nation: The Timor Conspiracy (1994), The Devil Came on Horseback (2007), Facing Sudan (2007), Final Solution (2003), Genocide (1982), The Grey Zone (2001), Harrison’s Flower (2004), Katyn (2007), Kundun (1997), The Last King of Scotland (2006), Life is Beautiful (1997), Night and Fog (1955), Para- graph 175 (2000), The Pianist (2002), Screamers (2006), Shake Hands With The Devil (2007), Shake Hands with the Devil: The Journey of Romeo Dallaire (2004), Sometimes In April (2005), Tears of the Sun (2003), The Translator (2009), War- riors (1999), and Welcome to Sarajevo (1997).

Ararat (2002) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Atom Egoyan Produced By: Atom Egoyan and Robert Lantos Written By: Atom Egoyan Color: Color Length: 115 minutes Language: English Production Company: Alliance Atlantis Communications 90  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Cast: Simon Abkarian, Christopher Plummer, Charles Aznavour, David Alplay, Arsinée Khanjian, Elias Koteas, Setta Keshishian, and Brent Carver Film Synopsis Ararat depicts the Armenian genocide during World War I, through a film within a film. The storyline depicts the story of a man and how his life was transformed during his employment on the film set of a movie about the Armenian genocide.

Darfur Now (2007) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: PG Alternative Title: None Directed By: Ted Braun Produced By: Don Cheadle, Mark Jonathan Harris, and Cathy Schulman Written By: Ted Braun Color: Color Length: 98 minutes Language: English Production Company: Crescendo Productions Cast: Ahmed Mahammed Abaka, Sheikh Ahmed Mohamad Abakar, Hawa Abaker, Hejewa Adam, Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Hillary Clinton, and John McCain Film Synopsis Darfur Now is a documentary that explores the genocide currently taking place in Sudan’s western region of Darfur. The film portrays six different individuals’ responses to the atrocities in Darfur. The film examines the genocide in Darfur through the experiences of (1) Adam Sterling, a 24-year-old waiter and activist; (2) Don Cheadle, an Academy Award–nominated actor; (3) Luis Moreno-Ocampo, a prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands; (4) Hejewa Adam, a woman in Darfur whose baby was beaten to death by Janjaweed attackers; (5) Ahmed Mohammed Abakar, a leader of a camp for displaced Darfurians; and (6) Pablo Recalde, the leader of the World Food Program in West Darfur. Filmography of Social Issues Films  91

Hotel Rwanda (2004) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: None Directed By: Terry George Produced By: Terry George and A. Kitman Ho Written By: Keir Pearson and Terry Geogre Color: Color Length: 121 Minutes Language: English Production Company: United Artists Cast: Don Cheadle, Nick Nolte, Joaquin Phoenix, Sophie Okonedo, and Hakeem Kae-Kazim Film Synopsis Hotel Rwanda is set in 1994, during the Rwandan genocide in which an estimated 1 million Tutsi were murdered by Hutu militias. This movie tells the true story of Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle), a hotel manager who provided shelter to over a thousand Tutsi refugees during the besiege- ment by the Hutu militias. Hotel Rwanda was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay.

The Killing Fields Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Roland Joffé Produced By: David Puttnam Written By: Bruce Robinson Color: Color Length: 140 minutes Language: English Production Company: Enigma 92  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Cast: Sam Waterson, Haing S. Ngor, John Malkovich, Julian Sands, Craig T. Nelson, Spalding Gray, Athol Fugard, and Bill Paterson Film Synopsis The Killing Fields is based on the true story of three journalists trapped in Cambodia during the Cambodian genocide where approximately 1.7 million Cambodians were killed. The Killing Fields was inspired by Sydney Schanberg’s book, The Death and Life of Dith Pran. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards in which it won three, including Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Haing S. Ngor) and Best Cinematography.

Schindler’s List (1993) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: N/A Directed By: Steven Spielberg Produced By: Branko Lustig, Gerald Molen, and Steven Spielberg Written By: Steven Zaillian Color: Black and white/Color Length: 195 Minutes Language: English Production Company: Universal Pictures Cast: Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes, Caroline Goodall, Jonathan Sagall, Embeth Davidtz, and Mark Ivanir Film Synopsis Schindler’s List is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a businessman and a member of the Nazi Party, who helped save the lives of over 1,000 Jews during the Holocaust by having them work in his factories. Schindler’s List is based on Thomas Keneally’s 1982 Booker Prize–winning book, Schindler’s Ark. The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Shooting Dogs (2005) Genre: Drama Filmography of Social Issues Films  93

MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: Beyond the Gates Directed By: Michael Caton-Jones Produced By: David Belton, Pippa Cross, and Jens Meurer Written By: David Wolstencroft Color: Color Length: 115 minutes Language: English Production Company: CrossDay Productions Ltd. Cast: John Hurt, Hugh Dancy, Dominique Horwitz, Louis Mahoney, Nicola Walker, Steve Toussaint, David Gyasi, and Victor Power Film Synopsis Shooting Dogs is set in 1994 during the Rwandan genocide, in the Ecole Technique Officielle in Kigali, Rwanda. The film tells the story of a Catho- lic priest (John Hurt) and an English teacher (Hugh Dancy) who provide shelter to over 1,000 Tutsi refugees.

Gun Control Gun control is one social issue that has not received the specific attention many consider it needs. Gun control as a social issue pertains to the legal and constitutional rights of citizens to own, use, and regulate a firearm. Guns are often a regular figure in movies. The overt depiction of gun use in films is a powerful statement in itself. Films relevant to gun control can often pertain to other social issues such as role of government. However, this social issue is handled separately in this chapter. Other films dealing with gun control not detailed in this volume include: Bowling for Columbine (2002), Bullets in the Hood: A Bed-Stuy Story (2005), Innocents Betrayed (2003), Liberty Stands Still (2002), Waco: The Rules of Engagement (1997), Walking with Guns (2008), and Wasted! Guns and Teens, Lives and Dreams (2004).

American Gun (2005) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R 94  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Alternative Title: None Directed By: Aric Avelino Produced By: Ted Kroeber Written By: Aric Avelino and Steven Bagatourian Color: Color Length: 95 minutes Language: English Production Company: IFC Films Cast: Marcia Gay Harden, Forest Whitaker, Donald Sutherland, Lisa Long, Chris Warren Jr., David Heymann, Chris Marquette, and Rex Linn Film Synopsis American Gun portrays the impact guns have on individuals of all back- grounds. The film tells three different stories focusing on the proliferation of firearms in America. The characters include a principal of an inner-city school, a single mother, and college student who works at her grandfather’s gun shop.

Guns and Mothers (2003) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Thom Powers Produced By: Thom Powers, Meema Spadola, and John W. Walter Written By: None Credited Color: Color Length: 55 minutes Language: English Production Company: Sugar Pictures Cast: Maria Heil and Frances Davis Film Synopsis Guns & Mothers is a documentary that examines the issue of gun control. The film explores the continuous debate over gun control through the Filmography of Social Issues Films  95 viewpoints of two mothers on opposite sides of the spectrum. Maria Heil is a spokeswoman for the Second Amendment Sisters and a mother of four. Frances Davis is an advocate of gun control and a mother of three deceased sons, all victims of gun violence.

Lord of War (2005) Genre: Crime MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Andrew Niccol Produced By: Nicholas Cage, Norman Golightly, Andrew Niccol, Philippe Rousselet, and Chris Roberts Written By: Andrew Niccol Color: Color Length: 122 minutes Language: English Production Company: Entertainment Manufacturing Company Cast: Nicholas Cage, Bridget Moynahan, Jared Leto, Shake Tukhmanyan, Jared Burke, David Shumbris, Eric Uys, Stewart Morgan, and Ethan Hawke Film Synopsis Lord of War is based on actual events and portrays the life of an illegal arms dealer. The film chronicles the life of Yuri Orlov (Nicholas Cage), from his origins as a small-time gun dealer in the 1980s to his rise in power in the 1990s. Yuri becomes a central figure in the illegal arms trade and single-handedly arms African warlords and their armies. The film highlights the trafficking of guns and the role firearms play in violent conflicts around the world.

Michael and Me (2004) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: Not Rated 96  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Alternative Title: None Directed By: Larry Elder Produced By: Larry Elder Written By: Larry Elder Color: Color Length: 90 minutes Language: English Production Company: Maiden Voyage Productions Inc. Cast: Larry Elder and Michael Moore Film Synopsis Michael & Me is a documentary that attempts to disprove some of the conclusions made by Michael Moore in his film, Bowling for Columbine. The film examines and attempts to disprove the connection between American culture, gun ownership, and increased gun violence.

The Right of the People (1986) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Jeffrey Bloom Produced By: Thomas Fries Written By: None Credited Color: Color Length: 100 minutes Language: English Production Company: Big Name Films Cast: Michael Ontkean, Billy Dee Williams, John Randolph, Jane Kaczmarek, Jamie Smith-Jackson, M. Emmet Walsh, Jeffrey Josephson, and Janet Carroll Film Synopsis The Right of the People tells the story of a small town that votes to allow its residents to protect themselves by carrying firearms. After a tragic and Filmography of Social Issues Films  97 brutal shooting, the father of the slain child persuades the city council to approve legislation that allows residents to carry firearms.

Runaway Jury (2003) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: None Directed By: Gary Fleder Produced By: Gary Fleder, Christopher Mankiewicz, and Arnon Milchan Written By: Brian Koppelman Color: Color Length: 127 minutes Language: English Production Company: Regency Enterprises Cast: John Cusack, Gene Hackman, Dustin Hoffman, Rachel Weisz, Jeremy Piven, Bruce Davison, Bruce McGill, Nick Searcy, and Cliff Curtis Film Synopsis Runaway Jury depicts the events surrounding the trial against a major gun manufacturer. A widow whose husband was killed at work by a disgrun- tled employee files a lawsuit against the gun manufacturer. The film focuses on Nicholas (John Cusack), a jury member, and his attempts to manipulate the outcome of the trial. Runaway Jury was adapted for the screen from John Grisham’s novel, The Runaway Jury.

Hate Groups Hate groups are simply groups of individuals who believe and promote hate of others. Hate groups have been depicted in movies since the birth of cinema. No depiction of a hate group is probably more infamous than that of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in Birth of a Nation (1915). The KKK, white na- tionalists, neo-Nazis, and skinheads have all been well documented on film. Hate groups like The Nation of Islam and anti-gay groups have been depicted sparingly in films. Other hate groups, such as the New Black Panther 98  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Party, the Jewish Defense League, Holocaust deniers, and black separatists, have not received significant attention from Hollywood. Many films depict hate groups or actions of hate groups. Films relevant to hate groups can pertain to other social issues, such as racism, gang violence, and terrorism. However, these social issues are handled separately in this chapter. Other films dealing with hate groups not detailed in this volume include: Ali (2001), American History X (1998), Anatomy of a Hate Crime (2001), Attack on Terror: The FBI vs. The Ku Klux Klan (1975), Black Legion (1936), Blood in the Face (1991), The Burning Cross (1947), The California Reich (1975), Confessions of a Nazi Spy (1939), Cross of Fire (1989), Death of a Prophet (1981), The Hate That Hate Produced (1959), Higher Learning (1995), The Intruder (1962), The Klansman (1974), The Legion of Terror (1937), Louis and the Nazis (2003), Made in Britain (1982), Malcolm X (1992), Nazi America: A Secret His- tory (2000), No Way Out (1950), O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), Oi! Warn- ing (1999), Pressure Point (1962), Roots: The Next Generation (1979), Skinhead Attitude (2003), Skinheads (1989), So Proudly We Hail (1990), Storm Warning (1950), Strange Holiday (1942), They Came to Blow Up America (1943), This is England (2006), and Trial (1955).

The Believer (2001) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Henry Bean Produced By: Christopher Roberts and Susan Hoffman Written By: Henry Bean Color: Color Length: 102 minutes Language: English Production Company: Fuller Films Cast: Ryan Gosling, Peter Meadows, Garret Dillahunt, Billy Zane, Joel Garland, Theresa Russell, Kris Eivers, and Ronald Guttman Film Synopsis The Believer is based on the true story of Dan Burros, who was a member of the American Nazi Party and the Ku Klux Klan, despite being Jewish. The Filmography of Social Issues Films  99 film tells the story of Danny Balint (Ryan Gosling), who is a self-hating Jew- ish man that becomes a violent anti-Semitic neo-Nazi. The film chronicles Danny’s rise through the ranks of the neo-Nazi Party and his mental struggles with his cultural and religious heritage. The Believer won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Betrayed (1988) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: Summer Lightning Directed By: Costa-Gavras Produced By: Irwin Winkler Written By: Joe Eszterhas Color: Color Length: 127 minutes Language: English Production Company: CST Telecommunications Cast: Debra Winger, Tom Berenger, John Heard, Betsy Blair, John Mahoney, Ted Levine, Albert Hall, Brian Bosak, and Alan Wilder Film Synopsis Betrayed tells the story of an undercover FBI agent, Catherine Weaver (Debra Winger), who is searching for the hate group responsible for the murder of a Jewish radio host. While on assignment, she falls in love with a local man, Gary Simmons (Tom Berenger), who turns out to be the leader of the hate group.

The Birth of a Nation (1915) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: The Clansman Directed By: D. W. Griffith 100  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Produced By: D.W. Griffith Written By: Thomas F. Dixon Jr. Color: Black and white Length: 187 minutes Language: English Production Company: David W. Griffith Corp. Cast: Lillian Gish, Mae Marsh, Henry B. Walthall, Miriam Cooper, Mary Alden, Ralph Lewis, George Siegmann, Joseph Henabery, and Walter Long Film Synopsis The Birth of a Nation is set during the Civil War era and tells the story of two families on opposite sides of the war. The film portrays the effects the war has on life and depicts the creation of the Ku Klux Klan and the hate crimes that follow. The film is based on the bookThe Clansman, by Thomas Dixon.

Focus (2002) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: None Directed By: Neil Slavin Produced By: Robert A. Miller and Neil Slavin Written By: Kendrew Lascelles Color: Color Length: 106 minutes Language: English Production Company: Carros Pictures Cast: William H. Macy, Laura Dern, Meat Loaf, David Paymer, Key Hawtrey, Michael Copeman, Kenneth Welsh, and Peter Oldring Film Synopsis Focus is set in Brooklyn, New York, after World War II and tells the story of a married couple, Larry and Gert (William H. Macy and Laura Dern), Filmography of Social Issues Films  101 who are mistakenly thought to be Jewish by anti-Semitic neighbors. The film portrays the religious and racial prejudice the couple faces and how they deal with the hatred, violence, and discrimination. Focus is based on Arthur Miller’s novel by the same name.

Romper Stomper (1992) Genre: Action MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Geoffrey Wright Produced By: Daniel Scharf and Ian Pringle Written By: Geoffrey Wright Color: Color Length: 94 minutes Language: English Production Company: The Australian Film Commission Cast: Russell Crowe, Daniel Pollock, Jacqueline McKenzie, Alex Scott, Leigh Russell, Daniel Wyllie, James McKenna, Eric Mueck, and Frank Magree Film Synopsis Romper Stomper tells the story of a group of neo-Nazi skinheads in Mel- bourne, Australia. The film depicts the feelings and actions the skinheads take against Vietnamese immigrants, who they consider to be a threat to racial purity in Melbourne.

Steel Toes (2006) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Mark Adam and David Gow Produced By: Francine Allaire and David Gow 102  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Written By: David Gow Color: Color Length: 90 minutes Language: English Production Company: Monterey Media Cast: David Strathairn, Andrew W. Walker, Marina Orsini, Ivana Shein, Linda Smith, Aaron Grunfeld, Joel Miller, and Ron Lea Film Synopsis Steel Toes tells the story of Danny Dunckelman (David Strathairn), a Jewish defense lawyer who is assigned to defend Mike Downey (Andrew Walker), a neo-Nazi skinhead charged for a racially motivated murder. The film examines their relationship and the differing beliefs that each hold.

Homosexuality Homosexuality is a very relevant and popular issue in today’s society. Throughout the history of film, homosexuals have been portrayed in numerous ways through various characters. However, it was not until more recently that homosexuals and their rights became a central theme of movies. Films pertaining to homosexuality discussed in this volume deal with the life of homosexuals and their rights as citizens. Films relevant to homosexuality can often pertain to other social issues such as AIDS, hate groups, and religion. However, these social issues are handled separately in this chapter. Other films dealing with homosexuality not detailed in this volume include: After Stonewall (1999), And the Band Played On (1993), Before Stone- wall (1984), The Birdcage (1996), Boys Don’t Cry (1999), The Boys in the Band (1970), Brokeback Mountain (2005), Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin (2003), Cruising (1980), A Different Story (1978), The Education of Shelby Knox (2005), Flawless (1999), For Love and for Life: The 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights (1990), A Jihad for Love (2007), The Laramie Project (2002), Maple Palm (2006), The Naked Civil Servant (1975), One Summer in New Paltz: A Cautionary Tale (2008), Philadelphia (1993), Prom Queen: The Marc Hall Story (2004), Politics of the Heart (2005), Pursuit of Equality (2005), Same Sex America (2006), The Times of Harvey Milk (1984), Traveling to Olym- pia (2001), Wedding Wars (2006), and Welcome Home Bobby (1986). Filmography of Social Issues Films  103

Execution of Justice (1999) Genre: Crime MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Leon Ichaso Produced By: Jeff Freilich Written By: Michael Butler Color: Color Length: 98 minutes Language: English Production Company: Daly-Harris Productions Cast: Tim Daly, Peter Coyote, Khalil Kain, Stephen Young, Tyne Daly, Lisa Rhoden, Frank Pellegrino, Amy Van Nostrand, and Mark Camacho Film Synopsis Execution of Justice is a made-for-television film based on the true story of the assassination of the openly gay San Francisco Mayor, George Moscone, and City Supervisor, Harvey Milk. The film chronicles the trial of Dan White (Tim Daly) for the murder of George Moscone (Stephen Young) and Har- vey Milk (Peter Coyote), including the notorious “Twinkie defense” strategy used by White’s lawyers. Execution of Justice is based on the play by the same name written by Emily Mann.

Kinsey (2004) Genre: Biography MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Bill Condon Produced By: Gail Mutrux Written By: Bill Condon Color: Color 104  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Length: 118 minutes Language: English Production Company: Fox Searchlight Pictures Cast: Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, Chris O’Donnell, Peter Sarsgaard, John Lithgow, Timothy Hutton, Oliver Platt, and William Sadler Film Synopsis Kinsey is a biographical film that depicts the life of Alfred Kinsey, who was a well-known scientist and is considered the father of sexology. The film portrays Alfred Kinsey’s (Liam Neeson) life and details the events and research he conducted about human sexuality. The film highlights Kin- sey’s marriage and other physical relationships he had with both men and women. Kinsey was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Laura Linney) and was also nominated for three Golden Globes, including Best Motion Picture.

Milk (2008) Genre: Biography MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: Untitled Harvey Milk Project Directed By: Gus Van Sant Produced By: Bruce Cohen, Dan Jenks, and Michael London Written By: Dustin Lance Black Color: Color Length: 128 minutes Language: English Production Company: Focus Features Cast: Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, Diego Luna, James Franco, Alison Pill, Joseph Cross, Victor Garber, and Brandon Boyce Film Synopsis Milk is a biographical film that recounts the life of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician to be elected to a major public office in Califor- nia. The film chronicles Harvey Milk’s (Sean Penn) political career and his relationship with Dan White (Josh Brolin), a conservative politician who Filmography of Social Issues Films  105 eventually murders Harvey Milk and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone (Victor Garber). Milk was nominated for eight Academy Awards, in which it won Best Screenplay and Best Actor (Sean Penn).

Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story (1995) Genre: Biography MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: Serving in Silence: The Colonel Grethe Cammermeyer Story Directed By: Jeff Bleckner Produced By: Richard Heus Written By: Alison Cross Color: Color Length: 91 minutes Language: English Production Company: Barwood Films Cast: Glenn Close, Judy Davis, Jan Rubes, Wendy Makkena, Susan Barnes, William Allen Young, Eric Dane, Ryan Reynolds, and Molly Parker Film Synopsis Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story is a made-for-television film based on the true story of Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer (Glenn Close), focusing on her discharge from the Washington National Guard for being a lesbian and her battle for her rights. The film was nominated for six Emmy Awards, of which it won three—Outstanding Writing, Outstanding Actress (Glenn Close), and Outstanding Supporting Actress (Judy Davis).

Stonewall (1995) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Nigel Finch 106  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Produced By: Christine Vachon and Ruth Caleb Written By: Rikki Beadle Blair Color: Color Length: 99 minutes Language: English Production Company: British Broadcasting Corporation Cast: Guillermo Díaz, Fred Weller, Brendan Corbalis, Duane Boutte, Bruce MacVittie, Dwight Ewell, Peter Ratray, and Joey Dedio Film Synopsis Stonewall is based on true events surrounding the Stonewall riots, which is considered the defining event that started the modern-day gay rights movement in the United States. The film tells a fictional story that recounts the weeks leading up to the Stonewall riots and highlights the causes of the monumental event that started on June 28, 1969, in Greenwich Village at the Stonewall Inn.

Tying the Knot (2004) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Jim de Sève Produced By: Kian T. Jong, Jim de Sève, and Stephen Pelletier Written By: None credited Color: Color Length: 81 minutes Language: English Production Company: 1,049 Films Cast: Bob Barr, Mary Bonauto, Brian Brown, Martin Bubbly, Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Charles Cannady, Jane E. Castor, Francis Ford Coppola, and Larry King Film Synopsis Tying the Knot is a documentary that examines and explores same-sex marriage in the United States. The film analyzes the issue from both sides Filmography of Social Issues Films  107 and includes interviews and discussions with same-sex couples and those opposed to same-sex marriage.

Immigration Immigration is simply the migration of an individual from one country to another country. Immigration is a social issue that receives a great deal of attention, especially around the election of public officials. Immigration, as a central theme of movies, has recently received much more attention. Films relevant to immigration can often pertain to other social issues such as consumerism, labor practices, and role of government. However, these social issues are handled separately in this chapter. Other films dealing with immigration not detailed in this volume include: Across the Sea of Time (1995), The Betrayel—Nerakhoon (2008), Border Incident (1949), Casa Libre/Freedom House (2008), Come Live with Me (1941), Crossing Arizona (2006), Dancer in the Dark (2000), Dondi (1961), Dying to Get In: Undocumented Immigration at the U.S. Mexican Border (2005), Ellis Island (1984), Far and Away (1992), Farmingville (2004), Fast Food Nation (2006), Flower Drum Song (1961), Gangs of New York (2002), The Girl Who Spelled Freedom (1986), The Glass Wall (1953), The Godfather: Part II (1974), Gran Torino (2008), Green Card (1990), Heaven’s Gate (1980), Hold Back the Dawn (1941), The Kite Runner (2007), Joe Hill (1971), Lonely in America (1991), Lost in Gainesville (2006), Made in L.A. (2007), Maple Palm (2006), The Mortal Storm (1940), Moscow on the Hudson (1984), Now Chinatown (2000), On the Line (1984), Out of Ireland (1995), The Perez Family (1990), The Return of Rusty (1946), Romance in Manhattan (1935), Salt of the Earth (1954), Scarface (1983), The Second Civil War (1997), The Terminal (2004), and Walking the Line (2005).

A Day without a Mexican (2004) Genre: Comedy MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Sergio Arau Produced By: Isaac Artenstein Written By: Yareli Arizmendi and Sergio Arau Color: Color 108  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Length: 100 minutes Language: English Production Company: Eye On the Ball Films Cast: Caroline Aaron, Tony Abatemarco, Melinda Allen, Frankie J. Allison, Yareli Arizmendi, Todd Babcock, Yareli Arizmendi, and Maria Beck Film Synopsis A Day without a Mexican is a satirical portrayal of life in California without Latinos. The film focuses on the stories of three individuals, a wife who searches for her husband, a Senator who loses his housekeeper, and a farm- er who loses his migrant workers. The film details the sudden disappear- ance of Latinos and the impact it has on the state and its economy.

An American Tail (1986) Genre: Animation MPAA Rating: G Alternative Title: None Directed By: Don Bluth Produced By: Don Bluth, Gary Goldman, and John Pomeroy Written By: Judy Freudberg Color: Color Length: 80 minutes Language: English Production Company: Amblin Entertainment Cast: Erica Yohn, Nehemiah Persoff, Amy Green, Phillip Glasser, Christopher Plummer, John Finnegan, Will Ryan, Madeline Kahn, and Dom DeLuise Film Synopsis An American Tail is an animated film about a Russian family of mice immigrating to the United States. The film tells the story of a young mouse named Fievel, who gets separated from his family during the move. Fievel embarks on a wondrous journey in search for his family and attempts to survey the hardships and dangers of his new country. An American Tail won a Grammy Award for Best Original Song for “Somewhere Out There.” Filmography of Social Issues Films  109

Border War: The Battle over Illegal Immigration (2006) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Kevin Knoblock Produced By: Christopher T. Bannon, David Bossie, and Stephen K. Bannon Written By: Kevin Knoblock Color: Color Length: 95 minutes Language: English Production Company: Genius Products Cast: J.D. Hayworth, Lupe Moreno, Enrique Morones, Teri March, and Jose Maheda Film Synopsis Border War: The Battle Over Illegal Immigration is a documentary that examines and explores illegal immigration along the United States–Mexico border. The film focuses on five individuals that have been directly impacted by illegal immigration. The individuals highlighted are a widow whose husband was killed by an illegal immigrant, a Congressman in Arizona, a United States Border Patrol agent, and two illegal immigrant sympathizers. The film takes viewers into the smuggling tunnels and halfway houses along the U.S.–Mexico border.

In America (2002) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: East of Harlem Directed By: Jim Sheridan Produced By: Arthur Lappin and Jim Sheridan Written By: Naomi Sheridan and Jim Sheridan 110  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Color: Color Length: 105 minutes Language: English Production Company: Fox Searchlight Pictures Cast: Paddy Considine, Samantha Morton, Randall Carlton, Emma Bolger, Sarah Bolger, Neal Jones, Djimon Hounsou, and Juan Carlos Hernández Film Synopsis In America is about an Irish family who illegally immigrates to the United States and their struggles to survive in New York City. The film tells the story of Johnny (Paddy Considine), who is an aspiring actor with dreams of making it big, and how he and his wife Sarah (Samantha Morton) struggle to raise a family in America. In America was nominated three Academy Awards, including Best Screenplay and Best Actress (Samantha Morton).

My Family (1995) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: East L.A. Directed By: Gregory Nava Produced By: Anna Thomas Written By: Anna Thomas and Gregory Nava Color: Color Length: 128 minutes Language: English Production Company: American Playhouse Cast: Edward James Olmos, Rafael Cortés, Evette Reina, Amelia Zapata, Jacob Vargas, Emilio Del Haro, Jennifer Lopez, and Esai Morales Film Synopsis My Family chronicles the events and tragedies of three generations of the Sanchez family, Mexican Americans that emigrated from Mexico and settled in Los Angeles. My Family was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Makeup. Filmography of Social Issues Films  111

Under the Same Moon (2007) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: Bajo la Misma Luna Directed By: Patricia Riggen Produced By: Gerardo Barrera, Lorenzo O’Brian, and Patricia Riggen Written By: Ligiah Villalobos Color: Color Length: 106 minutes Language: English Production Company: Creando Films Cast: Adrian Alonso, Kate Del Castillo, Eugenio Derbez, Maya Zapata, Carmen Salinas, Jesse Garcia, Angelina Peláez, and Gabriel Porras Film Synopsis Under the Same Moon is about the journey of a boy in search for his mother. The film tells the story of Carlitos (Adrian Alonso) who was living with his grandmother while his mother worked illegally in the United States. Carlitos’s grandmother passes away, so he decides to embark on a journey to find his mother. The film depicts the events of Carlitos’s journey as he illegally crosses the United States–Mexican border and attempts to survive in the search for his mother.

Labor Practices Labor practices have been portrayed in films in various ways, including work environment, wages, employees, unions, and outsourcing. One issue relating to labor practices that is commonly depicted in numerous films throughout cinematic history are unions. From early depictions inThe Right to Strike (1923) and Give and Take (1928), to Academy Award–winning depictions in On the Waterfront (1954), to more recent depictions in Hoffa (1992). Films relevant to labor practices can often pertain to other social issues such as consumerism. However, this social issue is handled separately in this chapter. Other films dealing with labor practices not detailed in this volume include: The $5.20 an Hour Dream (1980), Act of Vengeance (1986), American 112  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Dream (1990), American Standoff (2002), The Angry Silence (1960), Black Fury (1935), Blood Feud (1983), Bostrobalikara: Garment Girls of Bangladesh (2007), Bread and Roses (2000), Comrades (1986), The Corporation (2004), Eila (2003), Entry Level (2007), The Fight in the Fields (1997), Friends and Enemies (1987), Germinal (1993), Gung Ho (1986), Harlan County U.S.A. (1976), Harlan County War (2000), Made in L.A. (2007), The Man in the White Suit (1951), The Molly Maguires (1970), My Cultural Divide (2006), Nalini by Day, Nancy by Night (2005), Net Worth (1995), Newsies (1992), Norma Rae (1979), North Country (2005), Ocean’s Thirteen (2007), On the Waterfront (1954), Outsourced (2006), The Pajama Game (1957), The Price of Sugar (2007), Salt of the Earth (1954), The Stars Look Down (1940), Struggles in Steel: The Fight for Equal Op- portunity (1996), and Tucker, the Man and his Dream (1988).

10,000 Black Men Named George (2002) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Robert Townsend Produced By: Michelle Mundy Written By: Cyrus Nowrasteh Color: Color Length: 95 minutes Language: English Production Company: Dufferin Gate Productions Cast: Andre Braugher, Charles S. Dutton, Mario Van Peebles, Brock Peters, Carla Brothers, Ellen Holly, Kedar Brown, and Collette Micks Film Synopsis 10,000 Black Men Named George is set in America in the 1920s and tells the true story of A. Philip Randolph, a civil rights leader and union activist. The film depicts Randolph’s (Andre Braugher) efforts to organize the black porters of the Pullman Rail Company into the Brotherhood of Sleep- ing Car Porters. Filmography of Social Issues Films  113

Daens (1993) Genre: Biography MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: Priest Daens Directed By: Stijn Coninx Produced By: Dirk Impens, Jean-Luc Ormières, Maria Peters, Hans Pos, and Dave Schram Written By: François Chevallier Color: Color Length: 138 minutes Language: Dutch, French, Latin, Spanish Production Company: Favourite Films Cast: Jan Decleir, Gérard Desarthe, Michael Pas, Antje de Boeck, Johan Leysen, Jappe Claes, Brit Alen, Wim Meuwissen, and Brenda Bertin Film Synopsis Daens is a biographical film based on the life of Father Adolf Daens. The film is set in Aalst during the 1890s and tells the true story of Daens (Jan Decleir), a Catholic priest in Belgium who fights to improve the horrific working conditions of the local factories. Daens was based on the novel, Pieter Daens, by Louis Paul Boon. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Hoffa (1992) Genre: Biography MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Danny DeVito Produced By: Caldecot Chubb, Danny DeVito, and Edward R. Pressman Written By: David Mamet Color: Color 114  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Length: 140 minutes Language: English Production Company: Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation Cast: Jack Nicholson, Danny DeVito, John C. Reilly, Armand Assante, J.T. Walsh, Frank Whaley, John P. Ryan, Nicholas Pryor, and Karen Young Film Synopsis Hoffa is a biographical film based on the life of the legendary Teamster Union leader, Jimmy Hoffa (Jack Nicholson), from his early life in Michi- gan, to his leadership of the Teamsters Union, to his mysterious disappear- ance/death in 1975. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Makeup and Best Cinematography.

Joe Hill (1971) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: The Ballad of Joe Hill Directed By: Bo Widerberg Produced By: Waldemar Bergendahl and Bo Widerberg Written By: Steve Hopkins and Richard Weber Color: Color Length: 114 minutes Language: English Production Company: Bo Widerberg Film Cast: Thommy Berggren, Anja Schmidt, Kevin Malave, Evert Anderson, Cathy Smith, David Moritz, Richard Weber, and Michael Logan Film Synopsis Joe Hill is a biographical film based on the life of Swedish-American labor activist Joe Hill. The film is set in the early 1900s and traces the life of Hill (Thommy Berggren) as he immigrates into the United States and fights for fair labor practices. The film highlights Hill’s involvement with the Industrial Workers of the World and his connection, conviction, and execution for the murders of John and Arling Morrison. Filmography of Social Issues Films  115

Matewan (1987) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: None Directed By: John Sayles Produced By: Peggy Rajski and Maggie Renzi Written By: John Sayles Color: Color Length: 135 minutes Language: English Production Company: Cinecom Entertainment Group Cast: Chris Cooper, James Earl Jones, David Strathairn, Will Oldham, Mary McDonnell, Gordon Clapp, Kevin Tighe, and Bob Gunton Film Synopsis Matewan is based on the actual events surrounding the Battle of Mate- wan. The film is set in Matewan, West Virginia, in 1920. The film depicts the events of a coal miners’ strike and their efforts to form a union, which eventually led to a shootout. Matewan was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography.

Roger and Me (1989) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: A Humorous Look at How General Motors Destroyed Flint, Michigan Directed By: Michael Moore Produced By: Michael Moore Written By: Michael Moore Color: Color Length: 91 minutes Language: English 116  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Production Company: Dog Eat Dog Films Cast: Michael Moore, James Bond, James Blanchard, Pat Boone, Timothy Jackson, Tom Kay, Karen Edgely, Anita Bryant, and Roger B. Smith Film Synopsis Roger & Me is a documentary that examines and explores General Mo- tors CEO Robert Smith’s decision to close several automobile manufacturing plants in Flint, Michigan. The film specifically focuses on the negative economic impact the downsizing had on the city and the nearly 30,000 people that lost their jobs because of the plant closings.

Media Media and its depiction on film is a very common theme. This volume is focusing on media and its role. This includes unbiased reporting, sensa- tionalism, manufacturing information and news, freedom of speech and press, and the role of media in society. Films relevant to media can often pertain to other social issues such as censorship. However, this social issue is handled separately in this chapter. Other films dealing with media issues not detailed in this volume include: Bowling for Columbine (2002), Broadcast News (1987), Choose Connor (2007), Don’t Tell Me What to Think (2008), Enemy Image (2005), Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004), The First Amendment Project: Fox vs. Franken (2004), Free Speech for Sale (1999), Frost/Nixon (2008), Live From Baghdad (2002), Manufactur- ing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media (1992), The Myth of the Liberal Me- dia (1998), Only the News that Fits (1989), Orwell Rolls in His Grave (2003), Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch’s War on Journalism (2004), The Panama Deception (1992), Seeing is Believing: Handicams, Human Rights and the News (2002), Spin (1995), Talk to Me (2007), They Live (1988), and Winchell (1998).

All the President’s Men (1976) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG Alternative Title: None Directed By: Alan J. Pakula Produced By: Walter Coblenz Filmography of Social Issues Films  117

Written By: William Goldman Color: Color Length: 138 minutes Language: English Production Company: Warner Bros. Pictures Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford, Jack Warden, Jane Alexander, Ned Beatty, Meredith Baxter, Stephen Collins, and Jason Robards Film Synopsis All the President’s Men is based on the actual events surrounding the Pu- litzer Prize–winning investigative reporting of the Watergate scandal by Bob Woodward (Robert Redford) and Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman) for the Washington Post. All the President’s Men is based on the book by the same name written by Woodward and Bernstein. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, in which it won four, including Best Screenplay.

Good Night, and Good Luck (2005) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG Alternative Title: None Directed By: George Clooney Produced By: Grant Heslov Written By: Grant Heslov and George Clooney Color: Black and white Length: 93 minutes Language: English Production Company: Warner Independent Pictures Cast: Jeff Daniels, David Strathairn, Rose Abdoo, Alex Borstein, Peter Martin, Robert Downey Jr., George Clooney, and Reed Diamond Film Synopsis Good Night, and Good Luck is based on actual events and depicts the conflict between Edward R. Murrow and Senator Joseph McCarthy. Edward Mur- row (David Strathairn) is a well-known radio and television journalist who 118  Teaching Social Issues with Film questions Senator McCarthy’s actions on the Senate Permanent Subcommit- tee on Investigations. Good Night, and Good Luck was nominated for six Acad- emy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.

Medium Cool (1969) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: Directed By: Haskell Wexler Produced By: Tully Friedman, Haskell Wexler, and Jerrold Wexler Written By: Haskell Wexler Color: Color Length: 111 minutes Language: English Production Company: H & J Cast: Robert Forster, Verna Bloom, Peter Bonerz, Sid McCoy, Marianna Hill, Harold Blankenship, Charles Geary, and Peter Boyle Film Synopsis Medium Cool is set in 1968 during the political and social unrest at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The film tells the story of a television cameraman, John Cassellis (Robert Forster), who uncovers that his news station is leaking information to the Federal Bureau of Investiga- tion, and his relationship with a woman named Eileen (Verna Bloom) from a Chicago ghetto. The film was shot on location at the convention and combines fictional characters and actual events.

Network (1976) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Sidney Lumet Filmography of Social Issues Films  119

Produced By: Howard Gottfried Written By: Paddy Chayefsky Color: Color Length: 121 minutes Language: English Production Company: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Cast: Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch, Robert Duvall, Ned Beatty, Arthur Burghardt, Wesley Addy, Kathy Cronkite, and Gene Gross Film Synopsis Network is a satirical film about a television network and their search for sensational news and shock video to increase ratings. The film tells the story of a veteran news anchor named Howard Beale (Peter Finch) who is fired because of declining ratings. In his last weeks of news broadcasts he goes on outrageous rants that increase ratings, eventually landing him his own television show where he tells viewers the outlandish and shocking truth. Network was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, in which it won Best Actor (Peter Finch), Best Actress (Faye Dunaway), Best Supporting Actress (Beatrice Straight), and Best Screenplay.

Thank You for Smoking (2006) Genre: Comedy MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Jason Reitman Produced By: David O. Sacks Written By: Jason Reitman Color: Color Length: 92 minutes Language: English Production Company: Room 9 Entertainment Cast: Aaron Eckhart, David Koechner, William H. Macy, Katie Holmes, Adam Brody, Sam Elliott, and Rob Lowe 120  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Film Synopsis Thank You for Smoking tells the story of Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart), a tobacco lobbyist who uses various media outlets and public speeches to promote smoking and defend the rights of smokers. Nick starts a relationship with a young reporter named Heather Halloway (Katie Holmes), who uses the intimate details and secrets revealed to her by Nick in an article that depicts Nick as a horrific person. Thank You for Smoking is based on the book by the same name written by Christopher Buckley. The film was nominated for two Golden Globes for Best Actor (Aaron Eckhart) and Best Movie.

WMD: Weapons of Mass Deception (2004) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Danny Schechter Produced By: Anna B. Pizarro Written By: None Credited Color: Color Length: 98 minutes Language: English Production Company: Globalvision Cast: Peter Arnett, George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Maurice Hinchey, Tim Robbins, Bill O’Reilly, Nicholas Johnson, and Dan Rather Film Synopsis WMD: Weapons of Mass Deception is a documentary that examines and explores the media coverage surrounding the Iraq War. The film exposes the media’s role in misleading the public with regard to the war in Iraq, specifically focusing on propaganda from the government and biased reporting by various media outlets.

Poverty Poverty is a common element on the big screen. From poor orphans in Oliver Twist (1948) to Depression-era families in Cinderella Man (2005), poverty has been depicted in an array of styles. Films in this volume deal with Filmography of Social Issues Films  121 poverty and its related issue of homelessness. Films relevant to poverty can often pertain to other social issues such as role of government. However, this social issue is handled separately in this chapter. Other films dealing with poverty not detailed in this volume include: Almost Home (1995), America’s Invisible Children: The Homeless Education Crisis in America (2007), Born into Brothels (2004), By the Wayside (2006), Carissa (2008), Casa Libre/Freedom House (2008), Cathy Come Home (1966), The Chil- dren Nobody Wanted (1981), Children Underground (2001), City of God (2002), Coming to America (1988), Dark Days (2000), Devil Plays Hardball (2006), Dreams Don’t Die (1982), Easy Street (2006), The End of Poverty? (2008), The Glass Wall (1953), God Bless the Child (1988), Good Will Hunting (1997), The Grapes of Wrath (1940), Hancock (2008), Have You Seen Clem (2005), Home Sweet Homeless (1988), Homeless `99 (1999), Homeless Me (2007), Homeless Not Hopeless (2007), Humble Beauty: Skid Row Artists (2008), It Was a Wonderful Life (1993), The Jerk (1979), Katie Tippel (1975), Kids of the Majestic (2008), Life Below the Line: The World Poverty Crisis (2007), The Little Tramp (1914), Modern Time (1936), No Place Like Home (1989), Oliver Twist (1948), Pov- erty and Other Delights (1996), The Price of Sugar (2007), The Railway Children (1970), To Render a Life (1992), Samaritan: The Mitch Snyder Story (1986), Sense and Sensibility (1995), Sixth and Main (1977), The Soloist (2009), Stone Pillow (1985), Streetwise (1984), Sunshine Hotel (2001), Titanic (1997), Trad- ing Places (1983), Union Square (2003), and With Honors (1994).

August Rush (2007) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG Alternative Title: None Directed By: Kirsten Sheriden Produced By: Richard Barton Lewis Written By: Nick Castle and James V. Hart Color: Color Length: 114 minutes Language: English Production Company: Warner Bros. Pictures 122  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Cast: Freddie Highmore, Terrence Howard, Robin Williams, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Keri Russell, William Sadler, Mykelti Williamson, and Ronald Guttman Film Synopsis August Rush is about an orphan and his quest to find his birth parents. The film tells the story of Evan Taylor/August Rush (Freddie Highmore), a poor orphan and musical prodigy. Evan works the streets of New York City playing music and searching for his parents. August Rush was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song and for a Grammy Award for Best Soundtrack.

Cinderella Man (2005) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: None Directed By: Ron Howard Produced By: Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, and Penny Marshall Written By: Cliff Hollingsworth Color: Color Length: 144 minutes Language: English Production Company: Universal Pictures Cast: Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Paul Giamatti, Paddy Considine, Craig Bierko, Bruce McGill, David Huband, Connor Price, and Patrick Lewis Film Synopsis Cinderella Man is based on the true story of Heavyweight Boxing Cham- pion James Braddock (Russell Crowe) and his struggles to support his family during the Great Depression. The film highlights the Depression-era boxer and his legendary comeback in which he defeated Max Baer to become the heavyweight champion. Cinderella Man was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor (Paul Giamatti). Filmography of Social Issues Films  123

Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story (2003) Genre: Biography MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Peter Levin Produced By: Michael Mahoney Written By: Ronni Kern Color: Color Length: 104 minutes Language: English Production Company: Barnet Bain Films Cast: Thora Birch, Michael Riley, Kelley Lynch, Robert Bockstael, Makyla Smith, Jennifer Pisana, Aron Tager, Marla McLean, and Ellen Page Film Synopsis Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story is a made-for-television film based on the powerful true story of Liz Murray. The film recounts Liz Mur- ray’s (Thora Birch) life and her relationship with her drug-addicted and HIV-infected parents, to her becoming homeless at age 15, and eventually being accepted into Harvard University. The film was nominated for three Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Actress (Thora Birch) and Outstand- ing Television Movie.

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) Genre: Biography/Drama MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: The Pursuit of Happiness Directed By: Gabriele Muccino Produced By: Jason Blumenthal, Todd Black, Will Smith, James Lassiter, and Steve Tisch Written By: Steve Conrad 124  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Color: Color Length: 117 minutes Language: English Production Company: Columbia Pictures Corporation Cast: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandie Newton, Dan Castellaneta, Brian Howe, James Karen, Domenic Bove, and Kevin West Film Synopsis The Pursuit of Happyness is a biographical film about a homeless man named Chris Gardner who eventually becomes a financially stable stockbroker. The film chronicles the hardships Chris Gardner (Will Smith) and his son Christopher (Jaden Smith) endure, which ultimately lead to a better life for them. The Pursuit of Happyness was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor (Will Smith).

Reversal of Fortune (2005) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Wayne Powers Produced By: Leslie Garvin, Patty Ivins Specht, and Julie Pizzi Written By: Robert DeMaio Color: Color Length: 68 minutes Language: English Production Company: PB & J Television Cast: Ted Rodrigue Film Synopsis Reversal of Fortune is a documentary that attempts to answer the question, What would a homeless person do if he were given $100,000? The film chronicles Ted Rodrigue, a homeless man in Pasadena, California, and what he does with the money. Filmography of Social Issues Films  125

Slumdog Millionaire (2008) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Danny Boyle Produced By: Christian Colson Written By: Simon Beaufoy Color: Color Length: 120 minutes Language: English and Hindi Production Company: Celador Cast: Dev Patel, Anil Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla, Rajendranath Zutshi, Jeneva Talwar, Freida Pinto, and Irrfan Khan Film Synopsis Slumdog Millionaire is an epic story about a young man named Jamal (Dev Patel) from the slums of Mumbia, India, who appears on a trivia game show and surpasses everyone’s expectations. The film tells the life story of Jamal through flashbacks and illustrates the horrific struggles and hardships he endured to survive the slums of Mumbia. Slumdog Millionaire was adapted for the screen from the book Q and A by Vikas Swarup. The film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, in which it won eight including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Sound, Best Edit- ing, and Best Cinematography.

Racism Racism is a common theme in movies and has been depicted on the big screen throughout the history of cinema. Racism is simply the belief that one race is superior or inferior to another. Many films depict racism, the actions of racist individuals, and other discrimination-related beliefs and actions. Films relevant to racism can pertain to other social issues like gang violence, hate groups, and terrorism. However, these social issues are handled separately in this chapter. Other films dealing with racism not detailed in this volume include the following: Anti-Semitism in the 21st Century: The Resurgence (2007), The 126  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974), The Believer (2001), Birth of a Na- tion (1915), Black Like Me (1964), Bridge of the Sun (1961), Cheyenne Autumn (1964), Crash (2004), The Crimson Kimono (1960), Crossfire (1947), Devils Doorway (1950), Driving Miss Daisy (1989), The Express (2008), Focus (2001), Freedom Writers (2007), Gentleman’s Agreement (1947), The Glass Shield (1994), Glory Road (2006), Gran Torino (2008), The Great Debaters (2007), Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? (1967), Hairspray (2007), Harvest of Shame (1960), Holo- caust (1978), In the Heat of the Night (1967), The Intruder (1962), Judge Horton and the Scottsboro Boys (1976), Lean on Me (1989), The Longest Hatred: The History of Anti-Semitism (1993), Monster’s Ball (2001), No Way Out (1950), The Outsider (1961), The Pawnbroker (1965), Pleasantville (1998), Pride (2007), Remember the Titans (2000), Roots (1977), Roots: The Next Generation (1979), Seminole (1953), Skokie (1981), Stand and Deliver (1987), The Thin Blue Line (1988), A Time to Kill (1996), To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), Watermelon Man (1970), and When the Levies Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts (2006).

American History X (1998) Genre: Crime MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Tony Kaye Produced By: John Morrissey Written By: David McKenna Color: Color Length: 119 minutes Language: English Production Company: New Line Cinema Cast: Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D’Angelo, Elliott Gould, Avery Brooks, Jennifer Lien, Fairuza Balk, Alex Sol, and Christopher Masterson Film Synopsis American History X tells the story of a racist neo-Nazi named Derek (Ed- ward Norton) and his attempts to save his younger brother, Danny (Edward Furlong) from the same mistakes he made. Derek is sent to prison for killing two African Americans who tried to steal his truck and while he serves his Filmography of Social Issues Films  127 time, he comes to the realization that racism is pointless. American History X was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor (Edward Norton).

Do the Right Thing (1989) Genre: Comedy MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Spike Lee Produced By: Spike Lee Written By: Spike Lee Color: Color Length: 120 minutes Language: English Production Company: 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks Cast: Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Spike Lee, Giancarlo Esposito, Richard Edson, John Turturro, John Savage, Martin Lawrence, and Samuel L. Jackson Film Synopsis Do the Right Thing is set in Brooklyn, New York, during the summer and depicts the events surrounding a multiracial conflict that ends in a race riot. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Sup- porting Actor (Danny Aiello) and Best Screenplay.

Glory (1989) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Edward Zwick Produced By: Freddie Fields Written By: Kevin Jarre Color: Color 128  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Length: 122 minutes Language: English Production Company: TriStar Pictures Cast: Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Cary Elwes, John Finn, Andre Braugher, and Keith Noble Film Synopsis Glory is based on the 54th Massachusetts Voluntary Infantry, which was the first entirely African American regiment of the Civil War. The film focuses on the regiment’s commander, Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broder- ick) and the racism he and his regiment receive from both Union and Con- federate armies. Glory was adapted from personal letters written by Robert Gould Shaw, Lay This Laurel by Lincoln Kirstein, and One Gallant Rush by Peter Burchard. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, in which it won Best Supporting Actor (Denzel Washington), Best Sound, and Best Cinematography.

Gran Torino (2008) Genre: Crime MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Clint Eastwood Produced By: Clint Eastwood, Bill Gerber, and Robert Lorenz Written By: Nick Schenk Color: Color Length: 116 minutes Language: English Production Company: Matten Productions Cast: Clint Eastwood, Christopher Carley, Bee Hang, Ahney Her, Brian Haley, Geraldine Hughes, John Carroll Lynch, and Scott Eastwood Film Synopsis Gran Torino tells the story of Walt Kowalski (Clint Eastwood), a racist re- tired Korean War veteran and his struggles to accept his Hmong neighbors. Filmography of Social Issues Films  129

Walt slowly starts to build a relationship with his neighbors and attempts to help a teenage boy, Thao (Bee Vang), become an independent and confi- dent young man. Gran Torino was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.

Mississippi Burning (1988) Genre: Crime MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Alan Parker Produced By: Robert F. Colesberry and Frederick Zollo Written By: Chris Gerolmo Color: Color Length: 128 minutes Language: English Production Company: Orion Pictures Corporation Cast: Gene Hackman, Willem Dafoe, Frances McDormand, Brad Dourif, R. Lee Ermey, Geoffrey Nauffts, Kevin Dunn, and Michael Rooker Film Synopsis Mississippi Burning is lossely based on the actual events surrounding the murders of three civil rights workers in Mississippi in 1964. The film tells the story of two FBI agents, Rupert Anderson (Gene Hackman) and Alan Ward (Willem Dafoe), who are investigating the murders and their struggles to uncover evidence and break the silence. Mississippi Burning was nominated for seven Academy Awards, in which it won Best Cinematography.

Separate but Equal (1991) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG Alternative Title: None Directed By: George Stevens Jr. 130  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Produced By: Stan Margulies and George Stevens Jr. Written By: George Stevens Jr. Color: Color Length: 186 minutes Language: English Production Company: George Stevens Productions Cast: Sidney Poitier, Burt Lancaster, Cleavon Little, Richard Kiley, Macon McCalman, Gloria Foster, Randle Mell, and John Rothman Film Synopsis Separate by Equal is a made-for-television film based on the landmark Su- preme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education. The film recounts the Court case and the final ruling, which would become the first major victory for the Civil Rights movement and would help end racial segregation. Separate but Equal was nominated for eight Emmy Awards, in which it won two, including Outstanding Drama.

Religion Religion is one of the most controversial social issues currently in society. The issue divides individuals into various religions, which can be divided into different religious groups, which can be divided into various denomi- nations or sects, which also can be divided. Although many individuals have strong beliefs regarding religion, it is still a popular topic. Films relevant to various religious topics can often pertain to other social issues, which are supported or denied based on the beliefs of a specific religion. The majority of films pertained in the volume are related to the five major world religions (Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism). Films dealing with religion can be viewed as (1) films about religion or about a religious event, person, belief, etc., or (2) films that deal with religion as part of the plot or of a character. Other films dealing with religion not detailed in this volume include: The Apostle (1997), Battle for the Minds (1996), Chasing Buddha (2000), Church vs. State (1998), The Crucible (1996), The Cup (2000), Divorcing God (2009), Earth (1998), Fall From Grace (2007), For the Bible Tells Me So (2007), In God We Tru$t (1980), Inherit the Wind (1960), Jesus Camp (2006), Jesus Christ Superstar (1973), Judgment (2001), Keeping the Faith (2000), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), The Kite Runner (2007), The Last Emperor (1987), Leap of Faith (1992), Life Brian (1979), The Lion of the Desert (1980), Little Buddha (1993), Luther (2003), Mary (2005), The Mission (1986), Muhammad: The Last Proph- Filmography of Social Issues Films  131 et (2002), My Son the Fanatic (1997), Nazrah: A Muslim Women’s Perspective (2003), Paradise (2004), The Passion of the Christ (2004), The Prince of Egypt (1998), The Prosecutor (1983), Religion, Inc. (1989), Religulous (2008), Saved! (2004), Soul Searching (2007), There Will Be Blood (2007), and Yentl (1983).

Gandhi (1982) Genre: Biography MPAA Rating: PG Alternative Title: Richard Attenborough’s Film: Gandhi Directed By: Richard Attenborough Produced By: Richard Attenborough Written By: John Briley Color: Black and white/Color Length: 188 minutes Language: English Production Company: Carolina Bank Cast: Ben Kingsley, Candice Bergen, Martin Sheen, John Gielgud, Edward Fox, Trevor Howard, John Mills, and Saeed Jaffrey Film Synopsis Gandhi is a biographical account of the life of Mahatma Gandhi, a lawyer who became a major political and spiritual leader of India. Gandhi won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Ben Kingsley), Best Screenplay, and Best Director.

Kundun (1997) Genre: Drama/Biography MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: None Directed By: Martin Scorsese Produced By: Barbara De Fina Written By: Melissa Mathison 132  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Color: Color Length: 134 minutes Language: English/Tibetan/Mandarin Production Company: De Fina-Cappa Cast: Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong, Gyurme Tethong, Tulku Jamyang Kunga Tenzin, and Tenzin Yeshi Paichang Film Synopsis Kundun is based on the life of the spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama. The film chronicles the events of the fourteenth Dalai Lama and his life between 1937 and 1959, highlighting his selection to be the Dalai Lama to his exile from Tibet in 1959. The film was nominted for four Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design.

The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: Passion Directed By: Martin Scorsese Produced By: Barbara De Fina Written By: Paul Schrader Color: Color Length: 164 minutes Language: English Production Company: Cineplex-Odeon Films Cast: Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Paul Greco, Steve Shill, Barbara Hershey, Verna Bloom, Victor Argo, Paul Herman, and Michael Been Film Synopsis The Last Temptation of Christ tells the story of Jesus Christ and the struggles he endured as a human. The film focuses on Jesus’s temptations of sin and how he overcame the temptations he faced. The Last Temptation of Christ was based on the book by the same name written by Nikos Kazantzakis. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director. Filmography of Social Issues Films  133

The Message (1976) Genre: Biography MPAA Rating: PG Alternative Title: Mohammed, Messenger of God Directed By: Moustapha Akkad Produced By: Moustapha Akkad Written By: H.A.L. Craig, Tewfik El-Hakim, A.B. Jawdat El-Sahhar, A.B. Rahman El-Sharkawi, and Mohammad Ali Maher Color: Color Length: 177 minutes Language: English Production Company: Filmco International Productions Cast: Anthony Quinn, Irene Pappas, Michael Ansara, Johnny Sekka, Michael Forest, Damien Thomas, Ahmed Abdelhalim, and John Bennett Film Synopsis The Message is based on the central figure of Islam and messenger of God, Muhammad. The film depicts the life of Muhammad and highlights key events throughout his journey to being named the Prophet of Islam. The film is told from the perspectives of various individuals including his uncle, Hamza (Anthony Quinn). The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score.

Siddhartha (1972) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Conrad Brooks Produced By: Conrad Rooks Written By: Conrad Brooks, Natasha Ullman, and Paul Mayersberg Color: Color 134  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Length: 89 minutes Language: English Production Company: Lotus Films Cast: Shashi Kapoor, Simi Garwal, Romesh Sharma, Pinchoo Kappoor, Zul Vellani, Kumal Kappoor, and Holy Sadhus of Rishikesh Film Synopsis Siddhartha is based on the novel by the same name written by Herman Hesse. The film is set in the time of Buddha and follows Siddhartha (Shashi Kapoor) as he embarks on a journey in search of enlightenment.

The Ten Commandments (1956) Genre: Adventure MPAA Rating: G Alternative Title: None Directed By: Cecil B. DeMille Produced By: Cecil B. DeMille Written By: Jesse Lasky Jr., Jack Gariss, and Fredric M. Frank Color: Color Length: 220 minutes Language: English Production Company: Motion Picture Associates Cast: Charlton Heston, Yul Brynner, Anne Baxter, Edward G. Robinson, Yvonne De Carlo, John Derek, Debra Paget, and Nina Foch Film Synopsis The Ten Commandments is an epic film about the life of Moses. The film recounts Moses’ (Charlton Heston) life, focusing on his early adulthood and his relationship with his adopted brother, Prince Rameses II (Yul Bryn- ner), and Princess Nefretiri (Anne Baxter). The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, in which it won Best Special Effects.

Role of Government The role of government is a social issue that is often depicted in films. Role of government, simply put, is the role and/or power of the govern- Filmography of Social Issues Films  135 ment, its agencies, and its officials have over the populous and the world. Many films depict the role of government as a “Big Brother” mentality. Some argue that this issue is divided into those who want more government and those who want less government. Films relevant to the role of government can often pertain to other social issues such as gun control, abortion, terrorism, censorship, immigration, etc. However, these social issues are handled separately in this chapter. Other films dealing with the role of government not detailed in this volume include: An American President (1995), Brave New World (1998), A Clock- work Orange (1971), Dave (1993), Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Wor- rying and Love the Bomb (1964), Elizabeth (1998), Endgame: Blueprint for Global Enslavement (2007), Equilibrium (2002), Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004), The Fog of War (2003), Good Night, and Good Luck (2005), I, Robot (2004), Julius Caesar (1953), Martial Law 9/11: Rise of the Police State (2005), Mastergate (1992), Minority Re- port (2002), Nixon (1995), Rendition (2007), Shadow on the Land (1968), Shooter (2007), Spy Game (2001), Star Wars (1977), TerrorStorm: A History of Government- Sponsored Terrorism (2006), The Trials of Henry Kissinger (2002), Triumph of the Will (1935), The U.S. vs. John Lennon (2006), and War Games (1983).

1984 (1956) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Michael Anderson Produced By: N. Peter Rathvon Written By: Ralph Gilbert Bettison Color: Black and white Length: 90 minutes Language: English Production Company: Holiday Film Productions Ltd. Cast: Edmond O’Brien, Michael Redgrave, David Kossoff, Jan Sterling, Donald Pleasence, Mervyn Johns, and Michael Ripper Film Synopsis 1984 tells the story of a civil servant named Winston Smith (Edmond O’Brien) in a futuristic totalitarian society. The film depicts Winston’s life 136  Teaching Social Issues with Film as he grows restless and starts to rebel against Big Brother. 1984 is based on the novel by the same name written by George Orwell.

Charlie Wilson’s War (2007) Genre: Biography/Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Mike Nichols Produced By: Gary Goetzman and Tom Hanks Written By: Aaron Sorkin Color: Color Length: 102 minutes Language: English Production Company: Universal Pictures Cast: Tom Hanks, Amy Adams, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Hilary Angelo, Jud Taylor, Kirby Mitchell, and Rachel Nichols Film Synopsis Charlie Wilson’s War is a biographical film about Charlie Wilson, a U.S. Congressman from Texas. The film recounts Wilson’s (Tom Hanks) involvement in the covert operation known as Operation Cyclone, which organized the Afghan Mujahideen against the Soviet Union. The film was adapted for the big screen from the book Charlie Wilson’s War: The Extraor- dinary Story of the Largest Covert Operation in History written by George Crile. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (Philip Seymour Hoffman).

Enemy of the State (1998) Genre: Action MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Tony Scott Filmography of Social Issues Films  137

Produced By: Jerry Bruckheimer Written By: David Marconi Color: Color Length: 132 minutes Language: English Production Company: Touchstone Pictures Cast: Will Smith, Gene Hackman, Jon Voight, Lisa Bonet, Regina King, Barry Pepper, Laura Cayouette, and Stuart Wilson Film Synopsis Enemy of the State tells the story of a lawyer named Robert Dean (Will Smith) and his thrilling journey while being hunted by National Security agents. Dean accidentally receives evidence depicting the murder of a congressman and the government official responsible will stop at nothing to seize and destroy the evidence.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: Frank Capra’s Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Directed By: Frank Capra Produced By: Frank Capra Written By: Sidney Buchman Color: Black and white Length: 129 minutes Language: English Production Company: Columbia Pictures Corporation Cast: Jean Arthur, James Stewart, Edward Arnold, Claude Rains, Guy Kibbee, Eugene Pallette, Thomas Mitchell, H.B. Warner, and Grant Mitchell Film Synopsis Mr. Smith Goes to Washington tells the story of Jefferson Smith (James Stewart), who is appointed by the governor to fill the state’s vacant U.S. 138  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Senate seat. Once Mr. Smith arrives in Washington, his political and ethical beliefs collide with corrupt politicians who attempt to manipulate him. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is based on the unpublished story written by Lewis Foster. The film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, in which it won Best Writing.

V for Vendetta (2005) Genre: Action MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: James McTeigue Produced By: Grant Hill, Joel Silver, Andy Wachowski, and Larry Wachowski Written By: Andy Wachowski and Larry Wachowski Color: Color Length: 132 Minutes Language: English Production Company: Silver Pictures Cast: Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, John Hurt, Stephen Rea, Stephen Fry, Tim Pigott-Smith, Ben Miles, Rupert Graves, and Roger Allam Film Synopsis V for Vendetta is set in totalitarian Britain in 2038, which is ruled by the Far-Right Norsefire regime. The film tells the story of V (Hugo Weav- ing) and his relationship with Evey (Natalie Portman) and his continuous battle against the corrupt totalitarian government in power. V for Vendetta was adapted for the big screen from the graphic novel by the same name written by David Lloyd and Alan Moore.

Waco: The Rules of Engagement (1997) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: Not Rated Filmography of Social Issues Films  139

Alternative Title: None Directed By: William Gazecki Produced By: William Gazecki and Michael McNulty Written By: William Gazecki, Dan Gifford, and Michael McNulty Color: Color Length: 165 minutes Language: English Production Company: Fifth Estate Productions Cast: Dan Gifford, Clive Doyle, Jack Harwell, Dick J. Reavis, James D. Tabor, and Joe Biden Film Synopsis Waco: The Rules of Engagement is a documentary that recounts the events surrounding the 1993 conflict between Branch Davidians and the FBI and ATF in Waco, Texas. The film focuses on the conflict and the role the Unit- ed States government played in the destruction of the compound and the deaths of 76 Branch Davidians, including 21 children. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary.

School Violence School violence has been depicted on-screen in various forms throughout cinematic history. Traditionally school violence has taken the form of school bullying or physical fighting. More recently, depictions of school violence have transformed into more serious infractions like school shoot- ings. The films discussed in this volume focuses on school violence, which entails bullying, fighting, and assault with weapons. Films relevant to this topic can often pertain to other social issues, such as racism, hate groups, gun control, and gang violence. However, these social issues are handled separately in this chapter. Other films dealing with school violence not detailed in this volume include the following: American Gun (2005), Carrie (1976), Detention: The Siege at Johnson High (1997), Duck! The Columbine High Massacre (1999), Hid- den Rage (2008), Higher Learning (1995), Home Room (2002), Klass (2007), Massacre at Virginia Tech (2008), Powder (1995), Razone (2006), School Ties (1992), Silence of Fear (2000), Students vs. School Violence (2000), and Teen Truth: An Inside Look at Bullying and School Violence (2006). 140  Teaching Social Issues with Film

American Yearbook (2004) Genre: Romance MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Brian Ging Produced By: Jason F. Brown and Brian Ging Written By: Brian Ging Color: Color Length: 97 minutes Language: English Production Company: All Planet Studios Cast: Nick Tagas, Jon Carlo Alvarez, Giovannie Espiritu, Chris Ratti, Ryon Nixon, Matthew Gudenius, Jennifer Noble, Daniel Timko, and Eric Nygard Film Synopsis American Yearbook tells the story of Will Nash (Nick Tagas), a typical high school student that is constantly being bullied by Ian (Chris Ratti) and Jason (Ryon Nixon). Will finally gets tired of being bullied and decides to get revenge against Ian and Jason.

Bang Bang You’re Dead (2002) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Guy Ferland Produced By: Deboragh Gabler and Paul Hellerman Written By: William Mastrosimone Color: Color Length: 87 minutes Filmography of Social Issues Films  141

Language: English Production Company: Every Guy Productions Cast: Thomas Cavanagh, Ben Foster, Janel Moloney, Randy Harrison, Jane McGregor, Eric Johnson, David Paetkau, and Brent Glenen Film Synopsis Bang Bang You’re Dead is a made-for-television film that tells the story of Trevor (Ben Foster), a troubled and misunderstood high school student who is constantly bullied by a group of students called Trogs. Eventually the bullying sends Trevor over the edge and he plans to commit a serious act of violence.

Bowling for Columbine (2002) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Michael Moore Produced By: Jim Czarnecki, Charles Bishop, Michael Moore, Michael Donovan, and Kathleen Glynn Written By: Michael Moore Color: Color Length: 120 minutes Language: English Production Company: Alliance Atlantis Communications Cast: Michael Moore, Jacobo Arbenz, George W. Bush, Dick Clark, Arthur Busch, Mike Epstein, Charlton Heston, Jimmie Hughes, and Dick Hurlin Film Synopsis Bowling for Columbine is a documentary that examines and explores the Columbine High School massacre. The film focuses on possible causes and examines school violence and the nature of violence in the United States. Bowling for Columbine won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Film. 142  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Elephant (2003) Genre: Crime MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Gus Van Sant Produced By: Dany Wolf Written By: Gus Van Sant Color: Color Length: 81 minutes Language: English Production Company: HBO Films Cast: Alex Frost, Eric Deulen, John Robinson, Elias McConnell, Jordan Taylor, Timothy Bottoms, Carrie Finklea, and Ellis Williams Film Synopsis Elephant portrays the lives of several high school students as they go about their days, unaware of the school shooting that is about to take place. The film depicts the events before, during, and after the school shooting. The film is partly based on the 1999 Columbine High School massacre.

Rats and Bullies (2004) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: Rats and Bullies: The Dawn-Marie Wesley Story Directed By: Ray Buffer and Roberta McMillan Produced By: Ray Buffer and Roberta McMillan Written By: Ray Buffer and Roberta McMillan Color: Color Length: 102 minutes Filmography of Social Issues Films  143

Language: English Production Company: R&R Media Productions Cast: Roberta McMillan, Cindy Wesley, Kyla Mae Dunn, Rosalind Wiseman, Daniel Wesley, Randy Hawes, Karen McQuade, and Lee Hanlon Film Synopsis Rats and Bullies is a documentary that explores and examines school bullying, retaliation, suicide, and accountability. The film focuses on the story of Dawn-Marie Wesley, a 14-year-old girl who committed suicide because she was being bullied and terrorized by three girls from her school. The girls were named in the suicide note and were eventually held account- able in a court of law.

Zero Day (2003) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: None Directed By: Ben Coccio Produced By: Ben Coccio Written By: Ben Coccio and Christopher Coccio Color: Color Length: 92 minutes Language: English Production Company: Professor Bright Films Cast: Andre Keuck, Cal Robertson, Rachel Benichak, Christopher Coccio, Gerhard Keuck, and Johanne Keuck Film Synopsis Zero Day tells the story of two high school students, Andre (Andre Keuck) and Cal (Cal Robertson), who are fed up with school and all of their classmates. Andre and Cal decide to plan a horrific attack on their school. As the plan moves closer to implementation, they decide to keep a video diary, where they share their feelings and ideas about the plan. 144  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Spousal Abuse Spousal abuse is most often defined as the verbal, physical, emotional, psychological, and/or sexual maltreatment of a spouse. Spousal abuse has often been depicted on film throughout the history of cinema. Over the last 30–40 years spousal abuse has become a more central theme of films. Films relevant to spousal abuse can often pertain to other social issues, such as divorce and women’s rights. However, these social issues are handled separately in this chapter. Other films depicting spousal abuse not detailed in this volume include: Battered (1978), Before Woman Had Wings (1997), Black and Blue (1999), Caught (1949), China Moon (1994), The Conviction of Kitty Dodds (1993), Dia- ry of a Mad Housewife (1970), Foolish Wives (1922), The Golden Chance (1915), Greed (1925), Hearts of the World (1918), House of Secrets (1993), If Someone Had Known (1995), Intimate Strangers (1971), Mortal Thoughts (1991), Not Without My Daughter (1991), Once Were Warriors (1994), Personal Vendetta (1995), The Quiet Room (1996), Raging Bull (1980), Sleeping with the Devil (1997), Sling Blade (1996), Take My Eyes (2003), Unforgivable (1996), What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993), and Woman on the Beach (1947).

A Cry for Help: The Tracey Thurman Story (1989) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: Under the Law: The Tracey Thurman Story Directed By: Robert Markowitz Produced By: Lee Miller Written By: Beth Sullivan Color: Color Length: 96 minutes Language: English Production Company: Dick Clark Productions Cast: Nancy McKeon, Dale Midkiff, Graham Jarvis, Philip Baker Hall, Yvette Heyden, Seth Isler, David Ciminello, and Madison Mason Film Synopsis A Cry for Help: The Tracey Thurman Story is a made-for-television film that tells the tragic story of Tracey Thurman (Nancy McKeon), a Connecticut Filmography of Social Issues Films  145 housewife and continuous victim of domestic abuse at the hands of her husband, Buck (Dale Midkiff). Eventually Buck’s rage culminates one night and he stabs Tracey 13 times. Tracey barely survives and sues the local law enforcement for not providing her with appropriate protection. The film was nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Makeup.

The Burning Bed (1984) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Robert Greenwald Produced By: Carol Schreder Written By: Rose Leiman Goldemberg Color: Color Length: 95 minutes Language: English Production Company: Tisch/Avnet Productions Inc. Cast: Farrah Fawcett, Paul Le Mat, Richard Masur, Christa Denton, Grace Zabriskie, Heather Rich, Penelope Milford, and James T. Callahan Film Synopsis The Burning Bed is a made-for-television film that recounts the actions of Francine Hughes, an abused housewife (Farrah Fawcett), who, after 13 years of domestic abuse, set her husband on fire while he slept. The film was adapted from the book by the same name, written by Faith McNulty. The Burning Bed was nominated for three Golden Globes, in which it won Best Supporting Actor (Paul Le Mat).

The Perfect Husband (2004) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: The Perfect Spouse 146  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Directed By: Douglas Jackson Produced By: Neil Bregman and Stefan Wodoslawsky Written By: Ken Sanders and George Saunders Color: Color Length: 94 minutes Language: English Production Company: Movie Venture 2 Inc. Cast: Tracy Nelson, Michael Riley, Thomas Calabro, Andrea Roth, Steve Adams, and Sophie Gendron Film Synopsis The Perfect Husband tells the story of Lisa (Tracy Nelson) and Ty (Mi- chael Riley) and their blissful relationship and marriage. However, the happiness wears off and Lisa’s life becomes a nightmare. Ty becomes control- ling and jealous of anything intruding on their life, eventually leading him to make Lisa a prisoner.

Shattered Dreams (1990) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Robert Iscove Produced By: Stephanie Austin Written By: David Hill Color: Color Length: 94 minutes Language: English Production Company: Carolco Pictures Cast: Lindsay Wagner, Michael Nouri, James Karen, Georgann Johnson, Ken Jenkins, Irene Miracle, Bryan Clark, Jay R. Ferguson, and Patricia Heaton Film Synopsis Shattered Dreams is a made-for-television film that tells the story of a housewife named Charlotte (Lindsay Wagner) who finds out that her marriage is not a fairytale after all. Charlotte’s husband, John (Michael Nouri), Filmography of Social Issues Films  147 is a powerful attorney who physically and mentally abuses her. She endures John’s abuse for 18 years until she finally finds the strength to leave him.

Sleeping with the Enemy (1991) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Joseph Ruben Produced By: Leonard Goldberg Written By: Ronald Bass Color: Color Length: 90 minutes Language: English Production Company: Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation Cast: Julia Roberts, Patrick Bergin, Kevin Anderson, Elizabeth Lawrence, Kyle Secor, Claudette Nevins, Harley Venton, Sandi Shackelford, and Nancy Fish Film Synopsis Sleeping with the Enemy tells the story of Laura Burney (Julia Roberts), who is married to an obsessive and abusive husband, Martin Burney (Pat- rick Bergin). Laura fakes her own death to escape from Martin. She moves to a small town and meets a man named Ben Woodward (Kevin Anderson), only to find out her husband is aware of her hoax and is not happy.Sleeping with the Enemy was adapted for the screen from the book by the same name written by Nancy Price.

Unforgivable (1996) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Graeme Campbell 148  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Produced By: Joan Barnett and Jack Grossbart Written By: Adam Rodman Color: Color Length: 120 minutes Language: English Production Company: Brayton-Carlucci Productions Cast: John Ritter, Kevin Dunn, Harley Jane Kozak, Gina Philips, Susan Gibney, Mariangela Pino, Steven Anderson, James McDaniel, and Michael Flynn Film Synopsis Unforgivable is a made-for-television film about a man named Paul Heg- strom (John Ritter). Paul is a family man who physically abuses his wife and emotionally abuses his children. He eventually leaves his wife and gets a new girlfriend. However, in a fit of rage, he almost kills her and is ordered to get professional help.

Teen Pregnancy Teen pregnancy has been depicted on the big screen throughout cinematic history. Teen pregnancy typically refers to any female 19 years old or younger becoming pregnant. It is said that three out of every ten teenage girls will get pregnant. Traditional teen pregnancy films closely explore other social issues such as abortion and women’s rights. However, these social issues are handled separately in this chapter. Oftentimes, teen pregnancy films have a happy ending, limiting the depiction of teen pregnancy as a social dilemma. Other films depicting teen pregnancy not detailed in this volume include: Amanda Fallon (1973), American Girl (2002), Blue Denim (1959), Cry- Baby (1990), Daddy (1987), The Doctor Is In: Teen Pregnancy (1990), Fifteen and Pregnant (1998), For Keeps (1988), The Girls of Huntington House (1973), I Want to Keep My Baby (1976), Manny & Lo (1996), Mr. and Mrs. Bo Jo Jones (1971), Sugar & Spice (2001), A Taste of Honey (1961), Teenage Mother (1967), and Where the Heart Is (2000).

Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980) Genre: Biography/Drama MPAA Rating: PG Filmography of Social Issues Films  149

Alternative Title: None Directed By: Michael Apted Produced By: Bernard Schwartz Written By: Thomas Rickman Color: Color Length: 125 minutes Language: English Production Company: Universal Pictures Cast: Sissy Spacek, Tommy Lee Jones, Phyllis Boyens, Levon Helm, Billy Anderson Jr., Foister Dickerson, Malla McCown, and Pamela McCown Film Synopsis Coal Miner’s Daughter is a biographical film about the life of country music singer Loretta Lynn. The film recounts the life of Loretta Lynn (Sissy Spacek), who came from a poor family, was married at age 13, and by 18 had four children. Loretta began singing country music and quickly became its first female star. Coal Miner’s Daughter was adapted for the screen from her autobiography by the same name. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, in which it won Best Actress (Sissy Spacek).

Juno (2007) Genre: Comedy MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: None Directed By: Jason Reitman Produced By: Lianne Halfon, John Malkovich, Mason Novick, and Russell Smith Written By: Diablo Cody Color: Color Length: 96 minutes Language: English Production Company: Dancing Elk Productions 150  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Cast: Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Allison Janney, J.K. Simmons, Olivia Thirlby, Rainn Wilson, and Darla Vandenbossche Film Synopsis Juno tells the story of a 16-year-old girl name Juno (Ellen Page) who is faced with an unplanned pregnancy. The film focuses on Juno’s life as a pregnant teenager and on her decision to have the baby and give it up for adoption. Juno was nominated for four Academy Awards, in which it won Best Screenplay.

Mom at Sixteen (1998) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: Just a Baby Directed By: Peter Werner Produced By: Frank von Zerneck, Robert M. Sertner, and Bernard Sofronski Written By: Nancey Silvers Color: Color Length: 86 minutes Language: English Production Company: Von Zerneck Sertner Films Cast: Danielle Panabaker, Clare Stone, Jane Krakowski, Tyler Hynes, Colin Ferguson, Mercedes Ruehl, Megan Edwards, and Rejean Cournoyer Film Synopsis Mom at Sixteen is a made-for-television film about 16-year-old Jacey (Dan- ielle Panabaker), who unexpectedly becomes a mother. Jacey’s mother con- vinces her to keep the birth a secret; however, one of her teachers uncovers the truth. Jacey then decides to put the baby up for adoption.

Riding in Cars with Boys (2001) Genre: Biography Filmography of Social Issues Films  151

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: None Directed By: Penny Marshall Produced By: Julie Ansell, James L. Brooks, Sara Colleton, Laurence Mark, and Richard Sakai Written By: Morgan Ward Color: Color Length: 132 minutes Language: English Production Company: Gracie Films Cast: Drew Barrymore, Steve Zahn, Adam Garcia, Brittany Murphy, Lorraine Bracco, James Woods, Rosie Perez, Peter Facinelli, and Sara Gilbert Film Synopsis Riding in Cars with Boys is based on the true story of Beverly D’Onofrio. The film recounts the life of Beverly (Drew Barrymore) and focuses on her teen pregnancy and failed marriage. It portrays Beverly’s life struggles and how she overcame them to eventually earn a master’s degree. The film is based on Beverly D’Onofrio’s autobiography by the same name.

Saved! (2004) Genre: Comedy MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: None Directed By: Brian Dannelly Produced By: Michael Ohoven, Sandy Stern, Michael Stipe, and William Vince Written By: Brian Dannelly and Michael Urban Color: Color Length: 92 Language: English Production Company: United Artists 152  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Cast: Jena Malone, Mandy Moore, Macaulay Culkin, Patrick Fugit, Heather Matarazzo, Eva Amurri, Mary-Louise Parker, and Martin Donovan Film Synopsis Saved! is a satirical comedy about teenage life, religion, and pregnancy. The film tells the story of Mary (Jena Malone) who receives a vision from God telling her to have sex with her boyfriend, Dean (Chad Faust), to help prevent him from becoming gay. Mary then becomes pregnant. As a pregnant teenager she is ridiculed and ostracized by friends and family. In the process she finds new friends and a new perspective on life.

Too Young to be a Dad (2002) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: A Family’s Decision Directed By: Éva Gárdos Produced By: Michael Mahoney Written By: Edithe Swensen Color: Color Length: 120 minutes Language: English Production Company: Lifetime Television Cast: Kathy Baker, Paul Dano, Katie Stuart, Bruce Davison, Nigel Bennett, Terra Vnesa, Sherry Miller, Kim Roberts, and Andrew Church Film Synopsis Too Young to be a Dad is a made-for-television film that provides a unique perspective on teen pregnancy. It focuses on a 15-year-old boy who finds out he is going to be a father and how he takes responsibility for his actions. The film tells the story of Matt Freeman (Paul Dano) and how he prepares for the birth of his child. Matt transfers schools to be with the mother and gets a job and starts saving money. The mother’s family wants to give the baby up for adoption; however, Matt struggles with the notion. He eventually receives custody of his daughter. Filmography of Social Issues Films  153

Terrorism Terrorism is a very relevant and popular social issue in today’s society. Terrorism is simply the act of an individual or group on another for the purpose of creating fear or terror. Films pertaining to terrorism focus on individual acts of terrorism and terrorist groups. Films relevant to terrorism can often pertain to other social issues such as hate groups and racism. However, these social issues are handled separately in this chapter. Other films dealing with terrorism not detailed in this volume include: 7 Days in September (2002), 9/11 (2002), 11’09’11—September 11 (2002), 21 Hours at Munich (1976), A Wednesday (2008), Afghan Stories (2002), Black Friday (2004), Body of Lies (2008), Breaking the Silence: Truth and Lies in the War on Terror (2003), Casino Royale (2006), Critical Assembly (2003), The Delta Force (1986), Die Hard (1988), Executive Decision (1996), Flight 93 (2006), The Flight that Fought Back (2005), Get the Terrorists (1987), The Hamburg Cell (2004), Harvest of Hate (1979), In the Name of the Father (1994), Kabul Express (2006), The Kingdom (2007), Live Free or Die Hard (2007), Meltdown (2004), Next (2007), Nighthawks (1981), Oklahoma City: A Survivor’s Story (1998), On Native Soil (2006), One Day in September (1999), Path to Paradise: The Un- told Story of the World Trade Center Bombing (1997), Ransom (1975), Rendi- tion (2007), The Siege (1998), The Sum of all Fears (2002), Sword of Gideon (1989), Terrorism (2003), The Terrorist Next Door (2008), Traitor (2008), True Lies (1994), Under Siege (1992), The Voyage of Terror, the Achille Lauro Affair (1990), The War Effort (2003), Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden? (2008), Who Dares Wins (1982), and World Trade Center (2006).

Arlington Road (1999) Genre: Thriller MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: Arlington Rd. Directed By: Mark Pellington Produced By: Tom Gorai, Marc Samuelson, and Peter Samuelson Written By: Ehren Kruger Color: Color Length: 117 minutes Language: English 154  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Production Company: Arlington Road Productions Corporation Cast: Jeff Bridges, Tim Robbins, Joan Cusack, Hope Davis, Robert Gossett, Mason Gamble, Darryl Cox, Viviane Vives, Lee Stringer, and Auden Thornton Film Synopsis Arlington Road tells the story of Michael Faraday (Jeff Bridges), a university professor of history who suspects his neighbors are terrorists. Michael gently starts to search for clues that eventually lead him to FBI headquar- ters. However, a bomb explodes, killing him and 184 others. Michael is blamed for the blast and labeled a terrorist.

Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: Fahrenheit 911 Directed By: Michael Moore Produced By: Jim Czarnecki, Kathleen Glynn, and Michael Moore Written By: Michael Moore Color: Color Length: 122 minutes Language: English Production Company: Lions Gate Films Cast: Michael Moore, Ben Affleck, Stevie Wonder, George W. Bush, James Baker III, Richard Gephardt, Tom Daschle, Jeffrey Toobin, Condoleezza Rice, and Al Gore Film Synopsis Fahrenheit 9/11 is an award-winning documentary that explores and examines the United States’ war on terrorism. The film focuses on the decisions of George W. Bush and the coverage by the American news media on the events surrounding the September 11th attacks and persuasion to invade Iraq in search for Suddam Hussein. Filmography of Social Issues Films  155

Munich (2005) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: Untitled 1972 Munich Olympics Project Directed By: Steven Spielberg Produced By: Kathleen Kennedy, Barry Mendel, Steven Spielberg, and Colin Wilson Written By: Tony Kushner and Eric Roth Color: Color Length: 164 minutes Language: English Production Company: DreamWorks SKG Cast: Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, Ciarán Hinds, Mathieu Kassovitz, Hanns Zischler, Ayelet Zurer, Geoffrey Rush, Gila Almagor, and Michael Lonsdale Film Synopsis Munich is based on the book, Vengeance: The True Story of an Israeli Coun- ter-Terrorist Team, by George Jonas. The film depicts the true story of the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, where 11 Israeli athletes were taken hos- tage and murdered by Palestinian terrorists, known as Black September. In retaliation for the murders, the Israeli government recruits Mossad agents to secretly hunt down and execute all involved. Munich was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Shoot on Sight (2008) Genre: Crime MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Jag Mundhra Produced By: Aron Govil 156  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Written By: Carl Austin Color: Color Length: 129 minutes Language: English Production Company: Aron Govil Productions Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Greta Scacchi, Alex McSweeney, Gulshan Grover, Om Puri, Stephen Greif, Laila Rouass, Chris Wilson, and Brian Cox Film Synopsis Shoot on Sight is set in London on July 7, 2005, during the London bombings and is based on Operation Kratos, which was the shoot on sight policy that applied to suspected suicide bombers. The film tells the story of a Muslim Scotland Yard police officer named Tariq Ali (Naseeruddin Shah) who is searching for suspected suicide bombers in London.

TerrorStorm: A History of Government-Sponsored Terrorism (2006) Genre: Documentary MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Alex Jones Produced By: Alex Jones Written By: Alex Jones Color: Color Length: 113 minutes Language: English Production Company: Magnolia Management Cast: Alex Jones, Ray McGovern, Cindy Sheehan, Steven Jones, George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Michael Hayden, and Charlie Sheen Film Synopsis TerrorStorm: A History of Government-Sponsored Terrorism is a documentary that examines and explores the notion that governments are guilty of ter- Filmography of Social Issues Films  157 rorist attacks. The film focuses on how Western governments have committed terrorist attacks on its own people and others throughout history.

United 93 (2006) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: None Directed By: Paul Greengrass Produced By: Paul Greengrass, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, and Lloyd Levin Written By: Paul Greengrass Color: Color Length: 105 minutes Language: English Production Company: Universal Pictures Cast: J.J. Johnson, Gary Commock, Polly Adams, Trish Gates, Opal Alladin, Starla Benford, David Alan Basche, Richard Bekins, and Denny Dillon Film Synopsis United 93 is based on United Airlines Flight 93, which was hijacked by four Islamic terrorists during the September 11, 2001, attacks. The film recounts the events on board the flight and how the heroic passengers over- powered the hijackers and were able to crash the plane in a Pennsylvania field. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Editing and Best Director.

Women’s Rights The term “women’s rights” can be defined as freedoms and entitle- ments of females of all ages. Most commonly related women’s rights issues depicted on film are sexual harassment, sex crimes, suffrage, and equal opportunity (education, employment, and salary). Women’s rights issues have been depicted on the big screen throughout its history, but women’s rights became an accepted and somewhat popular topic in the last 30–40 years. Films relevant to women’s rights can often pertain to other social issues 158  Teaching Social Issues with Film such as abortion, spousal abuse, and teen pregnancy. However, these social issues are handled separately in this chapter. Other films dealing with the role of government not detailed in this volume include: Adam’s Rib (1949), Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004), Antolia (1995), Bend It Like Beckham (2002), Desk Set (1957), Down with Love (2003), The Eleanor Roosevelt Story (1965), Elizabeth (1998), The Face of Rage (1983), Flying: Confessions of a Free Woman (2006), Girls Rock! (2007), I Want to Keep my Baby (1976), Kadosh (1999), Kate’s Secret (1986), Kentucky Woman (1983), Mona Lisa Smile (2003), Moolaade (2004), Not for Ourselves Alone: The Story of Elizabeth Cady Stanton & Susan B. Anthony (1999), A Place of Rage (1991), Policewoman Centerfold (1983), Rape & Marriage (1980), Roe vs. Wade (1989), The Stepford Wives (2004), Strike! (1998), Thelma & Louise (1991), This Child is Mine (1985), An Unmarried Woman (1978), The Vagina Monologues (2002), Vera Drake (2004), Victims for Victims (1984), When In- nocence is Lost (1997). Wildcats (1986), A Woman Rebels (1936), Woman of the Year (1942), Women in Chains (1972), The Women’s Room (1980), The World According to Garp (1982), and World VDay (2003).

A Bunny’s Tale (1985) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Karen Arthur Produced By: Stan Margulies Written By: Deena Goldstone Color: Color Length: 104 minutes Language: English Production Company: ABC Circle Films Cast: Kirstie Alley, Joanna Kerns, Lisa Pelikan, Delta Burke, Cotter Smith, and Mary Woronov Film Synopsis A Bunny’s Tale is based on the true story of Gloria Steinem’s personal experience as a Playboy Bunny. Steinem (Kirstie Alley) is writing an article for Show magazine and decides to go undercover as a Playboy Bunny in Filmography of Social Issues Films  159 the New York Playboy Club in 1963. The film recounts her undercover assignment and her article, which exposed how women were treated in the Playboy Club.

A League of Their Own (1992) Genre: Comedy/Drama MPAA Rating: PG Alternative Title: None Directed By: Penny Marshall Produced By: Robert Greenhut Written By: Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel Color: Color Length: 128 minutes Language: English Production Company: Columbia Pictures Coporation Cast: Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna, Lori Petty, Jon Lovitz, Rosie O’Donnell, Bill Pullman, and Garry Marshall Film Synopsis A League of Their Own is a fictionalized story about a female baseball team that was part of the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. The film tells the story of the Rockford Peaches and highlights the relationships among the players and manager. The film also explores the role of female baseball players as athletes and lady-like images. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Original Song (“This Used To Be My Playground” by Madonna and Shep Pettibone) and Best Actress in a Comedy (Geena Davis).

Gracie (2007) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG-13 Alternative Title: Finding Gracie Directed By: Davis Guggenheim 160  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Produced By: Davis Guggenheim, Andrew Shue, Elisabeth Shue, and Lemore Syvan Written By: Lisa Marie Petersen and Karen Janszen Color: Color Length: 95 minutes Language: English Production Company: Elevation Filmworks Cast: Carly Schroeder, Jesse Lee Soffer, Elisabeth Shue, Christopher Shand, Karl Girolamo, Donny Gray, Dermot Mulroney, Emma Bell, and Andrew Shue Film Synopsis Gracie tells the story of Gracie Brown (Carly Schroeder) and her battle for the right to play soccer. The film is set in 1978 in New Jersey and portrays how Gracie fights for her right to play on the boy’s varsity soccer team. Gracie makes her case to the school board, citing the newly passed Title IX law.

Iron Jawed Angels (2004) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: Not Rated Alternative Title: None Directed By: Katja von Garnier Produced By: Lydia Dean Pilcher, Robin Forman, Len Amato, and Paula Weinstein Written By: Sally Robinson, Eugenia Bostwick-Singer, Raymond Singer, and Jennifer Friedes Color: Color Length: 125 minutes Language: English Production Company: Home Box Office Cast: Margo Martindale, Hilary Swank, Anjelica Huston, Lois Smith, Frances O’Connor, Brooke Smith, Molly Parker, and Adilah Barnes Filmography of Social Issues Films  161

Film Synopsis Iron Jawed Angels is about the woman’s suffrage movement in the early 1900s. The film is based on actual events and tells the story of political activists Alice Paul (Hilary Swank) and Lucy Burns (Frances O’Connor) as they fight for women to have the right to vote.Iron Jawed Angels was nominated for three Golden Globes in which it won Best Supporting Actress (Anjelica Huston).

North Country (2005) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: R Alternative Title: Class Action Directed By: Niki Caro Produced By: Nick Wechsler Written By: Michael Seitzman Color: Color Length: 126 minutes Language: English Production Company: Warner Bros. Pictures Cast: Charlize Theron, Elle Peterson, Thomas Curtis, Frances McDormand, Sean Bean, Woody Harrelson, and Amber Heard Film Synopsis North Country is based on the true story surrounding the landmark court case of Jensen v. Eveleth Taconite Company. The film tells the story of Jo- sey (Charlize Theron) who works in the mines of northern Minnesota. She and the other female employees are constant victims of sexual harassment and do not receive the same privileges as the male employees. Josey takes legal action and sues her employer. North Country is based on the book Class Action: The Story of Lois Jenson and the Landmark Case That Changed Sexual Harassment Law, by Clara Bingham and Laura Leedy Gansler. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Actress (Charlize Theron) and Best Supporting Actress (Frances McDormand). 162  Teaching Social Issues with Film

Yentl (1983) Genre: Drama MPAA Rating: PG Alternative Title: None Directed By: Barbra Streisand Produced By: Rusty Lemorande and Barbra Streisand Written By: Jack Rosenthal and Barbra Streisand Color: Color Length: 132 minutes Language: English Production Company: Barwood Films Cast: Barbra Streisand, Amy Irving, Steven Hill, Mandy Patinkin, Ruth Goring, Nehemiah Persoff, Alan Corduner, and Miriam Margolyes Film Synopsis Yentl is set in Poland during a time when women were forbidden to receive an education in Jewish Talmudic law. The film tells the story of a young Jewish girl named Yentl (Barbra Streisand) who decides to live and act like a man so she can learn the Jewish Talmudic law. Yentl is based on the play by the same name written by Leah Napolin and Isaac Bashevis Singer. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, in which it wonBest Original Song. A

Film Ratings

A G-rated motion picture contains nothing in theme, language, nudity, sex, violence, or other matters that, in the view of the Rating Board, would of- fend parents whose younger children view the motion picture. The G rating is not a “certificate of approval,” nor does it signify a “children’s” motion picture. Some snippets of language may go beyond polite conversation but they are common everyday expressions. No strong language is present in G-rated motion pictures. Depictions of violence are minimal. No nudity, sex scenes, or drug use are present in the motion picture.

A PG-rated motion picture should be investigated by parents before they let their younger children attend. The PG rating indicates, in the view of the

Rating Board, that parents may consider some material unsuitable for their children, and parents should make that decision. The more mature themes in some PG-rated motion pictures may call for parental guidance. There may be some profanity and some depictions of violence or brief nudity, but these elements are not deemed so intense as to require that parents be strongly cautioned beyond the suggestion of parental guidance. There is no drug use content in a PG-rated motion picture.

A PG-13 rating is a sterner warning by the Rating Board to parents to determine whether their children under age 13 should view the motion picture, as some material might not be suitable for them. A PG-13 motion picture may go beyond the PG rating in theme, violence, nudity, sensuality, language, adult activities, or other elements, but does not reach the restricted R category. The theme of the motion picture by itself will not result in a rating greater than PG-13, although depictions of activities related to a mature theme may result in a restricted rating for the motion picture. Any drug use will initially require at least a PG-13 rating. More than brief nudity will require at least a PG-13 rating, but such nudity in a PG-13-rated motion picture generally will not be sexually oriented. There may be depictions of violence in a PG-13 movie, but generally not both realistic and extreme or persistent violence. A motion picture’s single use of one of the harsher sexually derived words, though only as an expletive, initially requires at least a PG-13 rating. More than one such expletive requires an R rating, as must even one of those words used in a sexual context. The Rating Board nev- ertheless may rate such a motion picture PG-13 if, based on a special vote by a two-thirds majority, the raters feel that most American parents would believe that a PG-13 rating is appropriate because of the context or manner in which the words are used or because the use of those words in the motion picture is inconspicuous.

An R-rated motion picture, in the view of the Rating Board, contains some adult material. An R-rated motion picture may include adult themes, adult activity, hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually oriented nu- Film Ratings  165 dity, drug abuse, or other elements, so that parents are counseled to take this rating very seriously. Children under age 17 are not allowed to attend R-rated motion pictures unaccompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Parents are strongly urged to find out more about R-rated motion pictures in determining suitability for their children. Generally, it is not appropriate for parents to bring their young children with them to R-rated motion pictures.

An NC-17-rated motion picture is one that, in the view of the Rating Board, most parents would consider patently too adult for their children age 17 and under. No children will be admitted. NC-17 does not mean “obscene” or “pornographic” in the common or legal meaning of those words, and should not be construed as a negative judgment in any sense. The rating simply signals that the content is appropriate only for an adult audience. An NC-17 rating can be based on violence, sex, aberrational behavior, drug abuse, or any other element that most parents would consider too strong and therefore off-limits for viewing by their children.

Note Information courtesy of the Motion Picture Association of America (www.mpaa.org). Used with permission.

Film Analysis Sheet

Title: ______

Year of Production and Rating: ______

Producer: ______

Director: ______

Cast: ______

Major Characters: ______

Synopsis: ______

Issue, event, person, and/or time period portrayed in the film? ______

Is the portrayal accurate? Explain? ______

What are the inaccuracies? ______

Is the portrayal biased? ______

What film techniques are used to intensify the film-viewing experience? ______

How effective is the film in helping one understand the issue, event, person, and/or time period? Explain? ______

Other relevant information/comments: ______C

Film Terminology

Audio: The sound portion of the film. Background Music: Music that accompanies a scene, but not coming from a specific source in the scene. Boom: A long pole used to hold a camera or microphone. Camera Angle: The angle in which the camera is pointed (e.g., high- angle shot). Clip: A short segment of a film. Close-up: A shot in which an individual’s head fills the frame. Computerized Graphic Imaging (CGI): Special effects created by a com- puter and added to the film. Crane Shot: A camera angle or shot taken from a boom, which allows both horizontal and vertical movement. Cross-cutting: The method of editing two or more scenes together to portray events that are occurring simultaneously. Deep Focus: The foreground and background are both in focus simultaneously. Director: The individual in charge of all aspects of making the film.

Dissolve: To fade from one shot while fading in to another shot. Dolly Shot: A camera shot from a dolly (a camera moving on wheels). Editing: The process on splicing individual shots together to make a film. Editor: The individual in charge of splicing the shots together to make a film. Establishing Shot: A shot that introduces the viewers to the scene. Extreme Close-up: A shot in which a small detail (e.g., an eyeball) fills the frame. Extreme Long Shot: A shot in which an individual looks small compared to the landscape in the frame. Fade: To fade the shot to a black screen or fade a black screen to a shot. Fast Motion: The movements appear to move at a much faster speed than in real life. Flashback: A part of the film that deviates from the chronological order and shifts to the past. Flash Forward: A part of the film that deviates from the chronological order and shifts to the future. Focus: The sharpness and clarity of an image on the screen. Frame: The rectangle image projected on the screen. Freeze Frame: The freezing or stopping of an individual frame. Genre: The type of film (e.g., drama, biography, or comedy). High-Angle Shot: A shot from above, which creates a feeling of looking down upon the subject. Jump Cut: The instant transition from one shot to another. Lip Sync: The process of aligning the vocals to the actor’s mouth movement (aka dubbing). Long Shot: An entire individual fills the frame. Low-Angle Shot: A shot from below, which creates a feeling of looking up at the subject. Medium Long Shot: A shot in which an individual, from the knees up, fills the frame. Medium Shot: A shot in which an individual, from the waist up, fills the frame. Pan Shot: The horizontal movement of a shot from side to side. Film Terminology  171

Point-of-View Shot: A shot from the point of view of one of the subjects in the shot. Rack-Focus: The camera switches focus between either the background or foreground. Scene: Multiple shots united by time and space edited together. Sequence: Multiple scenes untied by time edited together. Shot: A continuous piece of filming with interruption. Slow Motion: The movements appear to move at a much slower speed than in real life. Tilt Shot: An up-or-down shot from a stationary camera. Voiceover: Narration from a character or narrator that is not seen. Zoom: The adjustment of the camera lens to bring the images closer or farther away.

References

Allen, W. (1955). Research on film use: Student preparation. AV Communication Review, 5, 423–450. Byford, J., Lennon, S., & Russell, W. (2008). Teaching Controversial Issues in the Social Studies: A Research Study of High School Teachers. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues, and Ideas, 82(4), 165–170. Center for Media Literacy. (2009a). Media Literacy a Definition…and more. Re- trieved February 15, 2009, from http://www.medialit.org/reading_room/ rr2def.php Center for Media Literacy. (2009b). 10 Benefits of Media Literacy Education. Retrieved February 15, 2009, from www.medialit.org/reading_room/article667.html Center for Media Literacy. (2009c). What is Media Literacy. Retrieved February 15, 2009, from http://www.medialit.org/reading_room/article675.html Cotton, R. E. (2006). Teaching controversial environmental issues: neutrality and balance in the reality of the classroom. Educational Research, 48(2), 223–241. Donnelly, M. (2006). Educating students about the Holocaust: A survey of teaching practices. Social Education, 70(1), 51–54. Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Engle, S. (2003). Decision-making: The heart of social studies instruction. The Social Studies 94(1), 7–10. (Reprinted with permission from Social Education, 27(4), 301–304) Holmes, K., Russell, W., & Movitz, A. (2007). Reading in the social studies: Using subtitled films.Social Education, 71(6), 326–330. Kahne, J., Rodriguez, M., Smith, B.A., & Thiede, K. (2000). Developing citizens for democracy? Assessing opportunities to learn in Chicago’s social studies classrooms. Theory and Research in Social Education, 28(3), 318–330.

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Index

A An American Tail, 108 An Early Frost, 34 A Beautiful Mind, 66 An Inconvenient Truth, 81 A Bunny’s Tale, 158 And the Band Played On, 34 A Civil Action, 80 Animal Rights, 38–42 A Cry for Help: The Tracey Thurman Story, Animals Film, The, 38 144 Ararat, 89 A Day without a Mexican, 107 Arlington Road, 153 A League of Their Own, 159 As Good As It Gets, 67 A Private Matter, 24 August Rush, 121 Abortion, 24–28 Addiction, 28–33 B AIDS, 33–38 All the President’s Men, 116 Bang Bang You’re Dead, 140 Allen, W., 2 Believer, The, 98 American Drug War: The Last White Hope, Betrayed, 99 75 Bill, 67 American Gangster, 76 Birth of a Nation, The, 99 American Gun, 93 Blood In, Blood Out, 85 American History X, 126 Blow, 77 American Me, 85 Border War: The Battle over Illegal American Yearbook, 140 Immigration, 109 An Act of Murder, 62 Bowling for Columbine, 141 An American Crime, 52 Bra Boys: Blood is Thicker than Water, 86

Bucket List, The, 62 Evaluating Social Issues Films, 17–21 Burning Bed, The, 145 Media Literacy, 18–20 Byford, J., 12 Student Evaluation of Social Issues Films, 20–21 C Teacher Evaluation of Social Issues Films, 19 Candy, 29 Execution of Justice, 103 Capital Punishment, 42–47 Censorship, 47–51 F Center for Media Literacy, 18–19 Charlie Wilson’s War, 136 Fahrenheit 9/11, 154 Child Abuse, 51–56 Fast Food Nation, 40 Choice, The, 25 Film Analysis Sheet, 167–168 Cinderella Man, 122 Film Ratings, 163–165 Coal Miner’s Daughter, 148 Film Terminology, 169–172 Cocaine Cowboys, 77 Filmography of Social Issues Films, Colors, 86 23–162 Confessions of a Shopaholic, 57 First Wives Club, The, 72 Consumerism, 56–61 Focus, 100 Corporation, The, 58 Fuel, 82 Cotton, R., 12 G D Gandhi, 131 Daens, 113 Gang Culture, 84–88 Darfur Now, 90 Genocide, 88–93 Day After Tomorrow, The, 81 Gift, The, 35 Dead Man Walking, 43 Girl from Monday, The, 58 Deadline, 44 Glory, 127 Death, 61–65 Good Morning, Vietnam, 48 Disabilities, 65–70 Good Night, and Good Luck, 117 Divorce, 70–75 Gorillas in the Mist: The Story of Dian Divorce His–Divorce Hers, 71 Fossey, 40 Divorcee, The, 71 Gracie, 159 Do the Right Thing, 127 Gran Torino, 128 Donnelly, M., 2 Green Chain, The, 83 Driscoll, M., 2 Green Mile, The, 45 Drugs, 75–79 Gun Control, 93–97 Guns and Mothers, 94 E H Earthlings, 39 Elephant, 142 Hate Groups, 97–102 Ellington, L., 2 Hoffa, 113 Enemy of the State, 136 Holmes, K., 1 Engle, S., 2, 13 Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Environmental Issues, 79–84 Story, 123 Index  179

Homosexuality, 102–107 Life of David Gale, The, 46 Hotel Rwanda, 91 Longstreet, W., 12 Lord of War, 95 I Lucky Girl, 30 Lumbard, R., 13 I Am an Animal: The Story of Ingrid Newk- irk and PETA, 41 I Am Sam, 68 M If These Walls Could Talk, 26 Marcus, A., 2 Immigration, 107–111 Maria Full of Grace, 78 In America, 109 Matewan, 115 In Cold Blood, 46 Matz, K., 1 Indictment: The McMartin Trial, 53 McGowan, M., 13 Inherit the Wind, 48 McGowan, T., 13 Iron Jawed Angels, 160 McPherson, J., 1 Media, 116–120 J Media Literacy, 18–20 Medium Cool, 118 Joe Hill, 114 Message, The, 133 Juno, 149 Michael and Me, 95 Milk, 104 K Miracle Worker, The, 69 Kahne, J., 12 Misco, T., 12 Kaiser Family Foundation, 1 Mississippi Burning, 129 Killing Fields, The, 91 Mom at Sixteen, 150 Kinsey, 103 Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, 137 Kramer vs. Kramer, 73 Mrs. Doubtfire, 74 Kundun, 131 Munich, 155 My Family, 110 L My Left Foot: The Story of Christy Brown, 70 Labor Practices, 111–116 My Name is Bill W., 31 Lake of Fire, 26 Last Temptation of Christ, The, 132 N Leaving Las Vegas, 30 Legal Issues, 7–10 National Council for the Social Studies, Copyright, 8–9 11, 12 Fair Use, 8–9 Network, 118 Off-Air Recording of Broadcast, Nineteen Eighty Four (1984), 135 9–10 North Country, 161 School/District Basic Policy, 7–8 Lehman, R., 13 O Leming, J., 2 Lennon, S., 12 Oswald, H., 13 Lenny, 49 Outsiders, The, 87 Levitt, G., 12 Owning Mahowny, 32 180  Teaching Social Issues with Film

P Siddhartha, 133 Shattered Dreams, 146 Panic in Needle Park, The, 32 Sleepers, 54 Paris, M., 1 Sleeping with the Enemy, 147 Patterson, N., 12 Slumdog Millionaire, 125 Perfect Husband, The, 145 Smith, B., 12 Philadelphia, 36 Soley, M., 13 Pingatore, L., 1 Spousal Abuse, 144–148 Poverty, 120–125 Steel Toes, 101 Pump of the Volume, 50 Pursuit of Happyness, The, 123 Stoddard, J., 2 Stonewall, 105 R Strom Center, 50 Sybil, 55 Racism, 125–130 Radio Flyer, 54 T Rats and Bullies, 142 References, 173–175 Teaching Social Issues with Film, 11–15 Religion, 130–134 Spring Board Model, 14–15 RENT, 36 Traditional Model, 13–14 Reversal of Fortune, 124 Teaching with Film, 1–5 Riding in Cars with Boys, 150 Russell Model for Using Film, 2–4 Right of the People, The, 96 Teen Pregnancy, 148–153 Right of Way, 63 Ten Commandments, The, 134 Right to Die, 64 Rock Hudson, 37 Ten (10) Rillington Place, 43 Rodriguez, M., 12 Ten Thousand (10,000) Black Men Named Roe vs. Wade, 27 George, 112 Roger and Me, 115 Terrorism, 153–157 Role of Government, 134–139 TerrorStorm: A History of Government- Romper Stomper, 101 Sponsored Terrorism, 156 Runaway Jury, 97 Thank You for Smoking, 119 Russell, W., 1, 2, 12, 13, 17 Thiede, K., 12 This Film is Not Yet Rated, 51 S Too Young to be a Dad, 152 Torney-Purta, J., 13 Saved!, 151 Schindler’s List, 92 Traffic, 79 School Violence, 139–144 Tying the Knot, 106 Schug, M., 2 Schulz, W., 13 U Separate but Equal, 129 Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cam- Ultimate Betrayal, 56 mermeyer Story, 105 Under the Same Moon, 111 Shoot on Sight, 155 Unforgivable, 147 Shooting Dogs, 92 United 93, 157 Index  181

Whose Life is it Anyway?, 65 V WMD: Weapons of Mass Deception, 120 V for Vendetta, 138 Women’s Rights, 157–162 Vera Drake, 28 Virgin Suicides, The, 64 Y Yentl, 162 W You Can’t Take It with You, 60 Waco: The Rules of Engagement, 138 Your Mommy Kills Animals, 42 Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Prices, 59 War of the Roses, The, 74 Z West Side Story, 88 What Would Jesus Buy?, 60 Zero Day, 143 Who Killed the Electric Car?, 83 ,!7IB6A7-fcbbhe!